GLAAD - Faithhttp://www.glaad.org/tags/faith
enCNN interviews Catholic educator who was fired for being a lesbian #StandWithMargiehttp://www.glaad.org/blog/cnn-interviews-catholic-educator-who-was-fired-being-lesbian-standwithmargie
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-0-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img width="1586" height="762" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2015-07/margie.png?itok=7M0qWYQF" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>After being fired for having a same-sex spouse, Margie Winters, the former Director of Religious Education at a Philadelphia Catholic school, appeared on CNN for an interview with her wife this Saturday. She stated her intention as not to fight for her job or pursue legal action, but to &quot;raise awareness of this in the community, and in particular, in the Catholic community.&quot;</p>
<p>Margie and GLAAD have worked together closely to share the Winters&#39; family&#39;s story.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="234" src="http://www.cnn.com/video/api/embed.html#/video/tv/2015/07/18/exp-catholic-school-educator-fired-for-being-married.cnn" width="416"></iframe></p>
<p>Waldron Mercy Academy, the school involved, hired Margie in 2007 knowing she is a lesbian, and advised that she only speak of her partner to fellow faculty and staff. This June, however, a parent discovered Margie&#39;s marriage to a woman, Andrea, and filed a complaint to both Waldron Mercy administration and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia about Margie&#39;s spouse and certain curriculum changes. On June 22, Margie was fired following her refusal to resign.</p>
<p>Since the termination of Margie&#39;s tenure with Waldron Mercy, an outpouring of support for Margie and Andrea has come from social media and Philadelphia community members. #StandWithMargie has been trending on Twitter, and a corresponding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StandWithMargie">Facebook Page</a> has gained over 11,000 likes. Around 200 families from Waldron Mercy gathered on July 8 to stand in solidarity with Margie and Andrea.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Calling out Chaput <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilaGayNews">@PhilaGayNews</a> in today&#39;s <a href="https://twitter.com/phillydotcom">@phillydotcom</a> <a href="http://t.co/6fzqnm5zx5">http://t.co/6fzqnm5zx5</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithMargie?src=hash">#StandWithMargie</a> because <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LoveisLove?src=hash">#LoveisLove</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LoveWins?src=hash">#LoveWins</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Stand With Margie (@StandWithMargie) <a href="https://twitter.com/StandWithMargie/status/623143191513010176">July 20, 2015</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Catholic Church has a long history of the Holy Spirit, working through the faithful&#39;s voices of dissent, to be heard. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/standwithmargie?src=hash">#standwithmargie</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Joan McConnon (@jmcconnon) <a href="https://twitter.com/jmcconnon/status/622409695437979648">July 18, 2015</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p>Although the Archbishop of Philadelphia sided with the complaints of the parent, Margie and Andrea are still deeply committed to their Catholic faith. Of her time teaching religious education as a lesbian, Margie Winters told CNN&#39;s Michael Smerconish,</p>
<blockquote><p>There was never a conflict with my job [&hellip;] The conflict is with the understanding of the teachings of the Church. For me it&#39;s a conflict of vision of who we are as Church [&hellip;] The marriage issue goes to who I am as a person, and who God made me as.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Margie and Andrea hope to meet with the Pope to tell their story when he visits the United States for the first time in September. Andrea noted what she sees as Pope Francis&#39; <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/30/world/europe/pope-francis-gay-priests.html">leanings</a> toward LGBT inclusion, and said of His Holiness, &quot;He has shown that he really wants to get to know the people that he shepherds, and that&#39;s really all we&#39;re asking: just to get to know us.&quot;</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Love, sacrifice, and faith: the essentials of family life regardless of the genders of the spouses. <a href="http://t.co/6x3M3bCxK1">http://t.co/6x3M3bCxK1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithMargie?src=hash">#StandWithMargie</a></p>
<p>&mdash; New Ways Ministry (@NewWaysMinistry) <a href="https://twitter.com/NewWaysMinistry/status/621757963242504193">July 16, 2015</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p>Even though Waldron Mercy Academy&#39;s decision shows the Catholic Church has a long way to go to accelerate acceptance for its lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) worshippers, the story of Margie and Andrea emphasizes that faith and LGBT identity are not mutually exclusive. Andrea and Margie are still devout in their beliefs. Andrea is hopeful for a more inclusive Church:</p>
<blockquote><p>When Christ walked the earth, he railed against the hierarchy for trying to exclude people, by using the laws of the faith at that time to exclude people. If that&#39;s not happening now, I don&#39;t know what else this is.</p>
</blockquote>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">July 20, 2015</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/family">Family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/roman-catholic">Roman Catholic</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/catholic">Catholic</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/margie-winters">Margie Winters</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/standwithmargie">#StandWithMargie</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/archbishop-chaput">Archbishop Chaput</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/marriage-equality">Marriage Equality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/philadelphia">Philadelphia</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/pope-francis">Pope Francis</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/waldron-mercy-academy">Waldron Mercy Academy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/cnn">CNN</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/michael-smerconish">Michael Smerconish</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Mon, 20 Jul 2015 19:38:52 +0000dgoodman86786 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/cnn-interviews-catholic-educator-who-was-fired-being-lesbian-standwithmargie#comments#May17Because there is no fear in love.http://www.glaad.org/blog/may17because-there-no-fear-love
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-1-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img width="2210" height="2207" id="1" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2015-05/May17Because-8.jpg?itok=ObU5cte-" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p style="text-align: justify;">From the beginning, religious concerns surrond the LGBT acceptance and equality debate. As opinions have shifted in the general population, so have the opinions of the people of faith. Today, number of church leaders speak out in support of the LGBT community, while a growing number of chu<img height="220" width="148" style="float: right;" class="media-element file-file-styles-medium" src="https://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/images/2015-05/jayne-ozanne.jpg?itok=8qfgC1GI" alt="" />rches open their doors to the LGBT people. What deserves even more attention and support, is the church leaders that come out and by doing so encourage others to be the true self. An Irish Catholic priest, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/irish-catholic-priest-comes-out-support-marriage-equality-during-service">Father Martin Dolan</a>, came out as gay during a service in the beginning of 2015, and received a standin<img height="220" width="220" style="float: left;" class="media-element file-file-styles-medium" src="https://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/images/2015-05/vicky-beeching%201_0.jpg?itok=3bGY-ojk" alt="" />g ovation from his parishioners. In an interview with the Christian Today earlier this year, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/church-england-evangelical-leader-jayne-ozanne-comes-out">Jayne Ozanne</a>, One of the Church of England&#39;s most influential evangelicals, has come out despite its previous opposition to accepting views of sexuality and the LGBT community. In addition to clergy, and perhaps with the courage gained from their example, other prominent Christian figures courageously come out to conservative audience every day. <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/christian-rock-star-vicky-beeching-courageously-comes-out-conservative-audience">Vicky Beeching</a>, the popular British Christian rock star and religious commentator made a move last summer by publicly coming out as gay in an Independent article. She is following in the footsteps of other LGBT and ally Christian singers, such as openly gay Grammy-award winning songwriter, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/guest-post-value-your-experience">Jennifer Knapp</a>, and the front man of the Christian band, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/christian-band-jars-clay-frontman-comes-out-ally-3-days-tweeting">Jars of Clay</a>, who voiced his support for marriage equality.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Clearly the attitude of church and people of faith is evolving, and it is evolving in the right direction. It appears that there is a change of tone even in the Roman Catholic Church. <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/pope-francis-reportedly-welcomed-transgender-man-spain-vatican">In July of 2013</a>, Pope Francis responded to a questions about a reported &quot;gay lobby&quot; within the Vatican, saying in part, &quot;If someone is gay, who searches for the Lord and has goodwill, who am I to judge,&quot; surprising many who are familiar with his previous anti-LGBT comments. Later in 2013, he criticized the Roman Catholic hierarchy&#39;s focus on persecuting LGBT people, along with other issues.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In only 9 days thousands of advocates and LGBT allies form around the world will celebrate <a href="http://dayagainsthomophobia.org/">the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia</a> in an attempt to draw the attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBT people internationally. As part of GLAAD&#39;s Global Voices program, which works to accelerate LGBT acceptance across the globe, GLAAD will participate and celebrate IDAHOT together with thousands of diverse groups and individuals. As IDAHOT 2015 approaches, we give you 17 reasons, one every day, why May 17 matters. We invite you to create and share your own, via the hashtag #May17Because and amplify the voice for LGBT equality.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>#May17Because Rule #8: there is no fear in love.</strong></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">May 9, 2015</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/glaad-global-voices">GLAAD Global Voices</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/international-day-against-homophobia-0">the International Day against Homophobia</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/transphobia-and-biphobia">Transphobia and Biphobia</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/pope-francis">Pope Francis</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Fri, 08 May 2015 20:52:27 +0000michaela84242 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/may17because-there-no-fear-love#commentsWhere there is love, all things are possible: #Unite4Marriage prayer servicehttp://www.glaad.org/blog/where-there-love-all-things-are-possible-unite4marriage-prayer-service
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-2-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img width="776" height="582" id="2" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2015-04/uniteformarriage.service.jpg?itok=90hTOJiG" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Last night LGBT and allied people of faith came together at the National City Christian Church in Washington D.C. to pray for marriage equality and the oral arguments going before the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday, April 28. Follow what happened through tweets and media posted by participants at the #Unite4Marriage multi-faith service below:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The National City Christian Church welcomed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unite4Marriage?src=hash">#Unite4Marriage</a> faith leaders earlier tonight in DC! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LGBTQ?src=hash">#LGBTQ</a> <a href="http://t.co/1s4zlunoQM">pic.twitter.com/1s4zlunoQM</a></p>
<p>&mdash; The Task Force (@TheTaskForce) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTaskForce/status/592472775702519808">April 26, 2015</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Rev. <a href="https://twitter.com/GingerGC">@GingerGC</a> Gaines-Cirelli of <a href="https://twitter.com/FoundryUMC">@FoundryUMC</a> in procession 4 prayer service <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/unite4marriage?src=hash">#unite4marriage</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/rmnetwork">@rmnetwork</a> <a href="http://t.co/xMNEHiwVLt">pic.twitter.com/xMNEHiwVLt</a></p>
<p>&mdash; BWARM (@BWARMtweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/BWARMtweets/status/592435942046048256">April 26, 2015</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>&quot;For inspiring us with dreams &amp; holy impatience, we thank you! &quot; - Diann Neu of <a href="https://twitter.com/WATERvoices">@WATERvoices</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/unite4marriage?src=hash">#unite4marriage</a> <a href="http://t.co/85weJnVPtv">pic.twitter.com/85weJnVPtv</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Cathy (@CathyJaskey) <a href="https://twitter.com/CathyJaskey/status/592446901598949376">April 26, 2015</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>&quot;There will be no justice and equality until all are welcome at God&#39;s table&quot; - <a href="https://twitter.com/deniseeger">@deniseeger</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unite4Marriage?src=hash">#Unite4Marriage</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Unite For Marriage (@March4M) <a href="https://twitter.com/March4M/status/592448708253503488">April 26, 2015</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/irobyn">@irobyn</a> reminding us this is a retreat; the work is in the struggles in the streets&amp;in our becomings <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/unite4marriage?src=hash">#unite4marriage</a> <a href="http://t.co/RA7HXhPRgU">pic.twitter.com/RA7HXhPRgU</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Cathy (@CathyJaskey) <a href="https://twitter.com/CathyJaskey/status/592448792546390018">April 26, 2015</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>&quot;When love shows up, you shout glory because you know that God is love.&quot;-<a href="https://twitter.com/RevCedricMV">@RevCedricMV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unite4Marriage?src=hash">#Unite4Marriage</a> <a href="http://t.co/OAhX7x9G2Q">pic.twitter.com/OAhX7x9G2Q</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Many Voices (@ManyVoicesOrg) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManyVoicesOrg/status/592468990536069120">April 26, 2015</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/RevDebra">@RevDebra</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/ReligiousInst">@ReligiousInst</a> Rallying us in gratitude &amp; calling us to pray for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarriageEquality?src=hash">#MarriageEquality</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unite4Marriage?src=hash">#Unite4Marriage</a> <a href="http://t.co/k5RjkgxhR6">pic.twitter.com/k5RjkgxhR6</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Cathy (@CathyJaskey) <a href="https://twitter.com/CathyJaskey/status/592487866057424897">April 27, 2015</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Thx to Rev. Gaines-Cirelli of <a href="https://twitter.com/FoundryUMC">@FoundryUMC</a> for joining affirmations from multiple faith traditions. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unite4Marriage?src=hash">#Unite4Marriage</a> <a href="http://t.co/xppTCl7Dct">pic.twitter.com/xppTCl7Dct</a></p>
<p>&mdash; BWARM (@BWARMtweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/BWARMtweets/status/592455793817088000">April 26, 2015</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Thanks to all who came to &quot;Where There is Love, All Things Are Possible&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unite4Marriage?src=hash">#Unite4Marriage</a> multi-faith prayer service! <a href="http://t.co/lCrg2AIvt9">pic.twitter.com/lCrg2AIvt9</a></p>
<p>&mdash; The Task Force (@TheTaskForce) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTaskForce/status/592472484508741632">April 26, 2015</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p>Tonight in Washington D.C., marriage equality supporters will hold a vigil to prepare the space for the Unite for Marriage rally at the Supreme Court. Throughout the 12 hours, starting from 7:00 P.M. tonight until 6:00 A.M. tomorrow morning, reflections and prayers from participants of different beliefs, religions, and spiritual practices will help prepare the space for the Unite for Marriage rally happening on Tuesday, April 28. To learn more about the Vigil or how to become involved with #Unite4Marriage visit <a href="http://www.uniteformarriage.org/faith.html">http://www.uniteformarriage.org/faith.html</a>.</p>
<p>Visit <a href="http://www.glaad.org/marriage">glaad.org/marriage</a> to read more about the case for marriage equality and GLAAD&#39;s involvement with the Unite for Marriage Coalition.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">April 27, 2015</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/people-color">People of Color</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/unite4marriage">#Unite4Marriage</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/marriage-equality">Marriage Equality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt">Lgbt</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/unite-marriage-coalition">Unite for Marriage Coalition</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Mon, 27 Apr 2015 14:53:13 +0000danielevans82788 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/where-there-love-all-things-are-possible-unite4marriage-prayer-service#commentsGLAAD Black History Month profile: the Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightseyhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-black-history-month-profile-rev-dr-pamela-lightsey
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-3-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img width="200" height="240" id="3" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2015-02/PamelaLightseyArticle.jpg?itok=NTqNyCz8" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey is the first out black lesbian ordained&nbsp;elder in the United Methodist Church. She currently serves as board member of Reconciling Ministries Network and as a clinical assistant professor at Boston University School of Theology. In her work, she proudly represents both the black and LGBT communities as a minister, educator, and activist.</p>
<p><img height="165" width="220" style="float: right;" class="media-element file-file-styles-medium" src="http://www.glaadblog.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/images/2015-02/PamelaLightseyPreaching.jpg?itok=JkKP1HB6" alt="" />Within the United Methodist Church, Lightsey creates progress for the LGBT community and its faith. She has drafted petitions challenging <a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/pocforlgbtq/">UMC Laws that Discriminate against LGBT people</a>. She has also written about the important work of black theologians and scholars who support LGBT equality. The UMC and other Christian communities still hesitate when it comes to the acceptance of LGBT brothers and sisters, however. In an article with <a href="http://www.bu.edu/today/2014/queer-theology-does-god-hate-gay-people/">BU Today</a>, Lightsey acknowledges the "catching up" that Christian churches have to do with the inclusion of LGBT people:</p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in;">“On a given day, sex is a small part of anybody’s life—really!—whether you be heterosexual or whether you be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender….But the church treats it as a large part of our life—too large, such that [the] church, as it relates to this issue, is really oppressive.…I actually hope that the church will be prophetic on this, that it will be, [as] Martin Luther King said, the headlight, not the taillight. But right now, unfortunately, the church is lagging behind public policy."</p>
<p>This is why Lightsey serves as a board member with <a href="http://www.rmnetwork.org/newrmn/">Reconciling Ministries Network</a>, a Methodist LGBT advocacy organization that supports LGBT Christians and challenges the discrimination they face. Within this organization, her hard work for LGBT members has reached a national audience. Her involvement at the <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/when-we-are-harmed-church-harmed-lgbt-methodists-confront-church-bullying">UMC's 2012 General Conference</a> specifically exemplifies her work as both minister and activist. During the conference, Lightsey acknowledged in a sermon the damaging words that many LGBT delegates faced during the conference's "holy conversations." She, along with other Christian LGBT ministers and voices, discussed the importance of LGBT inclusion within the United Methodist Church. You can watch her entire sermon at the conference below:</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ntJqOvipRB4" width="640"></iframe></p>
<p><img height="147" width="220" style="float: left;" class="media-element file-file-styles-medium" src="http://www.glaadblog.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/images/2015-02/PamelaLightseyTeacher.jpg?itok=Anm9-uqq" alt="" />Lightsey currently serves as Associate Dean and Clinical Assistant Professor at Boston University School of Theology and teaches course such as Practices of Faith, War and the Human, and Queer Theology.. She strives to create discussion with her students about the role of LGBT people in faith and ways that they can impact LGBT minds with Christianity. Queer Theology in particular is a graduate level course which exemplifies Lightsey's dedication to educate young theologians about the inclusion of LGBT people within the Church.&nbsp; “I want them to be able to articulate theologically what impact queers of faith may have upon the church and society,” stated Lightsey in an article with <a href="http://www.bu.edu/today/2014/queer-theology-does-god-hate-gay-people/">BU Today</a> about the course and her mission to her theology students. Her teaching curriculum revolves around the acronym REST (for Reason, Experience, Scripture, Tradition) attempting to find ways for both Roman Catholic and Evangelical Christian churches to understand and not out dismiss LGBT involvement.</p>
<p><img height="220" width="147" style="float: right;" class="media-element file-file-styles-medium" src="http://www.glaadblog.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/images/2015-02/PamelaLightseyFerguson.jpg?itok=ghOO2YzT" alt="" />Lightsey's influence doesn’t end with LGBT advocacy in faith however. She documented the powerful demonstrations occurring in Ferguson, MO this past summer as well. In August 2014, Lightsey joined other activists recording on a video camera the racial unrest surrounding the shooting of black teenager, Michael Brown. Through Reconciling Ministries Network she <a href="http://www.rmnblog.org/.services/blog/6a00e550255d3c883300e55281a2248833/search?filter.q=ferguson">blogged about the experience</a> with other ministers, thinkers, and leaders in the heat of the protests. Lightsey openly called for "Biblical Obedience" throughout the entire experience, <a href="http://www.rmnblog.org/2014/08/biblicalobedience-in-ferguson.html">stating:</a></p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in;">"This call to Biblical Obedience is not and cannot be solely for the purpose of LGBTQ rights. It must address oppression wherever its tenacious tentacles grip the lives of God's people and Earth itself. This is why we must all work together and use our voices against oppression."</p>
<p>Lightsey provided her viewers and readers a first-person account of the sometimes violent protests. The videos below show Lightsey videotaping these racial protests and discussing how the Church and LGBT community interacted with them:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="http://new.livestream.com/accounts/4958196/events/3307749/videos/59868392/player?autoPlay=false&amp;height=360&amp;mute=false&amp;width=640" width="640"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="http://new.livestream.com/accounts/4958196/events/3307749/videos/59872002/player?autoPlay=false&amp;height=360&amp;mute=false&amp;width=640" width="640"></iframe></p>
<p>Throughout February, GLAAD is celebrating Black History Month with newsroom posts and more honoring the accomplishments, journeys, and mission of African American men and women. GLAAD will also highlight the contributions of black LGBT people included in this celebration.</p>
<p>To learn more about GLAAD and its celebration of Black History Month, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blackhistorymonth">click here.</a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">February 13, 2015</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/family">Family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/people-color">People of Color</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/pamela-lightsey">Pamela Lightsey</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/black-history-month">Black History Month</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt">Lgbt</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/reconciling-ministries-network">Reconciling Ministries Network</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/united-methodist-church">United Methodist Church</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Fri, 13 Feb 2015 15:57:45 +0000danielevans73293 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-black-history-month-profile-rev-dr-pamela-lightsey#commentsNew GLAAD report maps long road to full LGBT acceptance, despite historic legal advanceshttp://www.glaad.org/blog/new-glaad-report-maps-long-road-full-lgbt-acceptance-despite-historic-legal-advances
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img height="363" width="750" class="media-element file-file-styles-750px" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2015-02/Accelerating%20Acceptance%20Horizontal.png?itok=uO3716eA" alt="" /></p>
<p>GLAAD, the nation&rsquo;s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy organization, today released &ldquo;Accelerating Acceptance,&rdquo; based on two surveys &ndash; conducted on GLAAD&rsquo;s behalf by Harris Poll - which reveal some non-LGBT Americans still report substantial levels of discomfort with LGBT co-workers, family, and neighbors, despite historic legal progress for marriage equality. The Executive Summary can be viewed here: <a href="http://glaad.nationbuilder.com/r?u=http%3A%2F%2Fglaad.org%2Facceptance&amp;utm_campaign=press_020915&amp;n=4&amp;e=ccfb5d2cf3750bc9b0740c4af6736949&amp;utm_source=glaad&amp;utm_medium=email">http://glaad.org/acceptance</a>. The surveys were conducted in August and November, 2014 among over 2,000 U.S. adults (aged 18+) each &ndash; of whom over 1,700 per survey indicated being straight, cisgender (referred to here as &ldquo;non-LGBT Americans&rdquo;).<br><br>&ldquo;Closing the gap to full acceptance of LGBT people will not come from legislation or judicial decisions alone, but from a deeper understanding and empathy from Americans themselves,&rdquo; said Sarah Kate Ellis, the CEO and President of GLAAD. &ldquo;Accelerating acceptance will require the help of not just LGBT people, but also their allies &ndash; everyday Americans who feel strongly and take an active role to make sure that their LGBT friends and family are fully accepted members of society.&rdquo;<br><br><strong><a href="http://www.glaad.org/publications/glaad-accelerating-acceptance" target="_blank"><img height="220" width="171" style="float: right;" class="media-element file-file-styles-medium" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/images/2015-02/GLAAD_Accelerating_Acceptance.jpg?itok=JysuBPQ5" alt="" /></a>WEDDINGS, LGBT HANDHOLDING AND PLAYDATES IN A HOME WITH LGBT PARENTS</strong><br>While a majority of the public supports equal marriage protections, there remain large numbers of straight, non-transgender adults that still have a significant degree of discomfort surrounding actual weddings for same-sex couples.&nbsp; One-third (34%) say they would be uncomfortable attending the wedding of a same-sex couple, with 22% saying they would feel very uncomfortable. A substantially larger group (43%) responds they would be uncomfortable bringing a child to the wedding of a same-sex couple.<br><br>Beyond weddings for same-sex couples, the survey reveals that many are still uncomfortable simply seeing and interacting with same-sex couples.&nbsp; A third of non-LGBT Americans (36%) say that just seeing a same-sex couple holding hands makes them uncomfortable.<br><br>The survey also evidenced resistance to LGBT parents by other parents in their community.&nbsp; Many straight, non-transgender parents say they would be uncomfortable with their child playing at a home with an LGBT parent &ndash; 40% for a transgender parent, 29% for a gay dad and 28% for a lesbian mom.<br><br><strong>DISCOMFORT IN EVERYDAY SITUATIONS</strong><br>A fifth to nearly a third of non-LGBT Americans are uncomfortable with common situations involving LGBT people.&nbsp; These range from simple things like having an LGBT person move in next door to more personal situations such as learning that a family member is LGBT.</p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:580px;" width="580">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<p><strong>Base: Straight, Cisgender Respondents</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>% Uncomfortable</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>% VERY Uncomfortable</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">n=1821</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">n=1821</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Learning a family member is LGBT</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">32%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">11%</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Learning my doctor is LGBT</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">31%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">13%</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Electing an LGBT politician</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">29%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">13%</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Learning a close friend is LGBT</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">27%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">10%</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Seeing an LGBT co-worker&rsquo;s wedding picture</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">27%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">13%</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Having LGBT members at your place of worship</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">26%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">10%</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Learning a co-worker is LGBT</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">23%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">7%</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Having an LGBT person move in next door</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">23%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">6%</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>EVEN GREATER CHALLENGE FOR TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY</strong><br>Acceptance of the transgender community faces more resistance than does acceptance of the rest of the LGBT community.&nbsp; Most notably, a majority of non-LGBT Americans (59%) say they would be uncomfortable if they learned their child was dating a transgender person.&nbsp; More than a quarter (31%) say this would make them &ldquo;very uncomfortable.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Being on a sports team with a transgender person still makes large numbers of non-LGBT Americans uncomfortable.&nbsp; Roughly equal numbers report discomfort with being on the same team as a transgender woman (32%) and a transgender man (31%).&nbsp; These numbers are higher than the reports of discomfort with being on a sports team with a gay man (26%) or lesbian (20%).<br><br><strong>ALLIES ARE CRITICAL TO ACCELERATING ACCEPTANCE</strong><br>Further demonstrating the importance of cultivating more allies, those who know LGBT people display substantially lower levels of discomfort &ndash;30% are uncomfortable seeing a same-sex couple hold hands among those who have LGBT family members, while that number drops to 25% among those with an LGBT coworker and 17% among those with a close LGBT friend.&nbsp; On the flip side, almost half (47%) of those who don&rsquo;t know any LGBT people say seeing a same-sex couple holding hands makes them uncomfortable.&nbsp; Clearly, a connection exists between familiarity and acceptance.<br><br><strong>CONCLUSION</strong><br>Despite historic progress on the issue of marriage equality, much work remains to be done to ensure the safety and acceptance of LGBT Americans in their communities, workplaces, and families.&nbsp; These longer-term social and cultural attitudes will require persistent dialogue and education to change and convince those who still hold negative attitudes towards the LGBT community.&nbsp; This change will not solely come through legislative or judicial action, but also through the actions of LGBT people and allies who take an active role to build a more accepting society in their daily lives &ndash; in their schools, with their own children, with friends, and neighbors in the community.<br><br><strong>METHODOLOGY</strong><br>In late 2014, GLAAD commissioned Harris Poll to measure attitudes toward LGBT Americans. Questions were included in online surveys conducted August 21-25, 2014 among 2,014 U.S. adults (aged 18+)&mdash;of whom 1,754 indicated they are straight, cisgender&mdash;and November 10-12, 2014 among 2,010 U.S. adults (ages 18+)&mdash;of whom 1,821 indicated they are straight, cisgender.&nbsp; Both surveys were nationally representative samples of U.S. adults. Results from straight, cisgender Americans are presented here.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">February 9, 2015</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/bisexuality">Bisexuality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/family">Family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/southern-stories">Southern Stories</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/sports">Sports</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/transgender">Transgender</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/got-your-back">Got Your Back</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt">Lgbt</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/accelerating-acceptance">Accelerating Acceptance</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/glaad">GLAAD</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lgbt-poll">LGBT poll</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/glaad-poll">GLAAD poll</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/sarah-kate-ellis">Sarah Kate Ellis</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/gay">gay</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lesbian">Lesbian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/bisexual">bisexual</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/transgender-0">transgender</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt-media">LGBT media</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/harris-poll">Harris Poll</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt-acceptance">LGBT acceptance</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/gay-wedding">gay wedding</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lesbian-wedding">lesbian wedding</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lgbt-parent">LGBT parent</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt-politician">LGBT politician</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lgbt-ally">LGBT ally</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt-statistics">LGBT statistics</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/playdates">Playdates</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt-families">LGBT Families</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lgbt-family">LGBT Family</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Mon, 09 Feb 2015 15:10:51 +0000zekestokes73262 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/new-glaad-report-maps-long-road-full-lgbt-acceptance-despite-historic-legal-advances#commentsJoin Level Ground in NYC for dialogue on faith, gender, and sexuality. http://www.glaad.org/blog/join-level-ground-nyc-dialogue-faith-gender-and-sexuality
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-4-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img width="600" height="600" id="4" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-11/levelground.jpg?itok=wmi7V4HX" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>This weekend, November 14-16, individuals in the New York metro area have the opportunity to engage in dialogues and activities on faith, gender, and sexuality with the <a href="http://onlevelground.org/">Level Ground Road Show</a>.</p>
<p>Level Ground is a non-profit created by students from Fuller, the largest Evangelical seminary in the world, and the first to sanction an <a href="http://onetablefuller.com/">official LGBT student group</a>. The national organization uses art to create safe space for dialogue about faith, gender, and sexuality, with the goal of &quot;cultivating a better way of speaking with one another across our differences and disagreements.&quot; The name, from a prophecy in the book of Isaiah, embodies &quot;a space where we descend from our mountains and climb out of the valleys to meet one another on sacred, though likely uncomfortable, <em>level</em> ground.&quot;</p>
<p>The <a href="http://onlevelground.ticketleap.com/">free program</a> will include a screening and dialogue around the documentary &quot;Paris is Burning,&quot; a mixed-media program on gender conformity, and a theater performance about the church, coming out, and a father&#39;s journey by <a href="http://www.tedandcompany.com/shows/listening-grace/">Ted&amp;Co</a> called &quot;Listening for Grace,&quot; which will be hosted by Jane Clementi of <a href="http://www.tylerclementi.org/">The Tyler Clementi Foundation</a>. On Saturday night, Grammy-nominated musician <a href="https://onlevelground.ticketleap.com/knapp/dates/Nov-15-2014_at_0700PM">Jennifer Knapp</a> will be performing (tickets for this portion of the weekend are $10.)</p>
<p>The road show, which also stops in Portland and Chicago, is only part of Level Ground&#39;s annual activity&mdash;they also host a film and arts festival in their home city of Pasadena, California, work directly with filmmakers and artists to fund projects and create dialogue around them, and consult with churches, schools, and other groups to spur dialogue. Last year, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/level-ground-worlds-first-faith-based-lgbt-film-festival">GLAAD presented a workshop at Level Ground</a> on why the language we use matters, and hosted a screening of <a href="http://wewereherefilm.com/">We Were Here</a>, moderating a panel afterwards for the second annual film festival.</p>
<p>To learn more, you can connect with the organization on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/On_LevelGround">@on_levelground</a>&nbsp; and <a href="http://onlevelground.ticketleap.com/">RSVP here</a> to join others this weekend for any or all of the events planned!</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">November 10, 2014</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/entertainment">Entertainment</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/film-festival">film festival</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/level-ground">Level Ground</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/gender">gender</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/sexuality">sexuality</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Mon, 10 Nov 2014 22:01:21 +0000dena72805 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/join-level-ground-nyc-dialogue-faith-gender-and-sexuality#commentsFaith organizations share the spirit of #spiritdayhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/faith-organizations-share-spirit-spiritday
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-5-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img width="847" height="352" id="5" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-10/The%20Naming%20Project.JPG?itok=qVw2Eavk" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Across social media, blogs, churches, mosques, synagogues, small groups, youth groups, and more, people are talking about how faith groups can take action to oppose bullying and stand in solidarity with LGBT youth for <a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday">Spirit Day</a>.</p>
<p>A few organizations shared reflections on their web sites and blogs. Robyn Henderson-Espinoza wrote a post entitled &quot;Bullied&quot; on the <a href="http://www.mlp.org/2014/10/16/bullied/">More Light Presbyterians web page</a>, sharing an experience of being bullied and harassed. Robyn writes:</p>
<blockquote><p><em>Any type of violence against LGBTQ communities (or ANY other human person) is unacceptable.&nbsp; We have to keep fighting for radical inclusion for all persons.&nbsp; I have to continue doing this work so that my neighbor, whoever they are, does not face what I faced at the bus stop, regardless of their race, class, sexual orientation, or gender expression.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>The pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church in New York, Rev. Pat Bumgardner, <a href="http://www.believeoutloud.com/latest/spirit-day-2014-how-we-can-prevent-bullying">shared a post on Believe Out Loud</a>, talking about how we can best prevent bullying.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>Bullying is not a &ldquo;gay&rdquo; issue or even a kid&rsquo;s issue because it depends on the silent acquiescence of adults and clergy and teachers and community leaders to thrive.</em></p>
<p><em>To me, bullying is a human rights issue, because it will not stop until all of us speak up and act out for the value and worth of every human life.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>ReconcilingWorks created a whole <a href="http://www.reconcilingworks.org/news/news/691-spirit-month-14">Spirit Month</a>, encompassing National Coming Out Day, Ally Week, Reformation Sunday, and Spirit Day. Churches can download bulletin inserts to share information during worship.</p>
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</div>
<p>And check out these awesome faith groups going purple:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>We&#39;ve got spirit, yes we do! We&#39;ve got spirit how about you? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpiritDay?src=hash">#SpiritDay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShiningBRITE?src=hash">#ShiningBRITE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pride?src=hash">#pride</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/glaad">@glaad</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rmnetwork">@rmnetwork</a> <a href="http://t.co/PJI03i1ggL">http://t.co/PJI03i1ggL</a></p>
<p>&mdash; BriteDivinitySchool (@britedivinity) <a href="https://twitter.com/britedivinity/status/522813631202070528">October 16, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p>Spirit Day, which takes place today, October 16, inspires millions to wear purple or &quot;go purple&quot; online in a united stand against bullying and to show their support for LGBT youth. Each year, Spirit Day draws the participation of <a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday/entertainers">celebrities</a>, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday/corporate">corporations</a>, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday/media">media outlets</a>, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday/sports">sports leagues</a>, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday/schools">schools</a>, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday/faith">faith institutions</a>, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday/landmarks">national landmarks</a>, and individuals. Spirit Day is made possible by the generous support of its national partners PepsiCo and Wells Fargo, as well as official partners Comcast-NBCUniversal and Google, and supporting partner&nbsp;American Eagle Outfitters.</p>
<p>You can go purple <strong>now</strong> by putting on purple, posting about #spiritday, and sharing your favorite #spiritday posts on social media.</p>
<p>Check out&nbsp;<a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday" target="_blank">glaad.org/spiritday</a>&nbsp;for more about how to stand against anti-LGBT bullying and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/glaad" target="_blank">follow @GLAAD on Twitter to keep up to date</a>&nbsp;with #spiritday news!​</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QYIyOcsA6Fo" width="640"></iframe></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The <a href="https://twitter.com/ReligiousInst">@ReligiousInst</a> is wearing our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/faithfulpurple?src=hash">#faithfulpurple</a> for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpiritDay?src=hash">#SpiritDay</a>. People of faith take a stand against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bullying?src=hash">#bullying</a> <a href="http://t.co/4viTTRbkd2">pic.twitter.com/4viTTRbkd2</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Religious Institute (@ReligiousInst) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReligiousInst/status/522748139317768192">October 16, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Stand against bullying! Wear purple and make your profile pic purple for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/spiritday?src=hash">#spiritday</a> 10/16 at <a href="http://t.co/g89Bgr87lH">http://t.co/g89Bgr87lH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LGBT?src=hash">#LGBT</a></p>
<p>&mdash; DignityUSA (@DignityUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/DignityUSA/status/522732308923551744">October 16, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>We&#39;ve gone purple in anticipation of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpiritDay?src=hash">#SpiritDay</a> tomorrow! Learn how you take a stand against bullying at <a href="http://t.co/1rsNTrSqV3">http://t.co/1rsNTrSqV3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Catholic?src=hash">#Catholic</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Equally Blessed (@EBCatholic) <a href="https://twitter.com/EBCatholic/status/522530477052137472">October 15, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Stand against bullying! Wear purple and make your profile pic purple for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/spiritday?src=hash">#spiritday</a> 10/16 at <a href="http://t.co/wxV5YvGwUM">http://t.co/wxV5YvGwUM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LGBT?src=hash">#LGBT</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Evangelical Network (@evangelnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/evangelnet/status/522642740937383936">October 16, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Today we go purple to take a stand against bullying! Find out more : <a href="http://t.co/tcIynR3oI8">http://t.co/tcIynR3oI8</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpiritDay?src=hash">#SpiritDay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TMFSpiritDay?src=hash">#TMFSpiritDay</a> <a href="http://t.co/YSXtK5DY5m">pic.twitter.com/YSXtK5DY5m</a></p>
<p>&mdash; The Marin Foundation (@MarinFoundation) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarinFoundation/status/522747145288699904">October 16, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>MPV has gone purple for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpiritDay?src=hash">#SpiritDay</a>! Help us stand up to bullying and to support <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LGBT?src=hash">#LGBT</a> youth! <a href="https://twitter.com/glaad">@glaad</a> <a href="http://t.co/Oltp5z3P23">pic.twitter.com/Oltp5z3P23</a></p>
<p>&mdash; MPV USA (@mpvusa) <a href="https://twitter.com/mpvusa/status/522629506272870400">October 16, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
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</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Chicago staff show their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/spiritday?src=hash">#spiritday</a> support <a href="http://t.co/eid0xPsjbf">pic.twitter.com/eid0xPsjbf</a></p>
<p>&mdash; RMNetwork (@rmnetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/rmnetwork/status/522808278141906944">October 16, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpiritDay?src=hash">#SpiritDay</a> <a href="http://t.co/G3Kde3DQeB">pic.twitter.com/G3Kde3DQeB</a></p>
<p>&mdash; RMNetwork (@rmnetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/rmnetwork/status/522827262782345217">October 16, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>RMN regional organizers support <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LGBTQ?src=hash">#LGBTQ</a> youth this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpiritDay?src=hash">#SpiritDay</a> <a href="http://t.co/TAGfmxLngI">pic.twitter.com/TAGfmxLngI</a></p>
<p>&mdash; RMNetwork (@rmnetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/rmnetwork/status/522801164510035968">October 16, 2014</a></p></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>&nbsp;</p></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><img height="533" width="750" class="media-element file-file-styles-750px" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-10/The%20Crossing.jpg?itok=hiv4RD7M" alt="" /></p></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">October 16, 2014</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/spirit-day">Spirit Day</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/spiritday">#SpiritDay</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/naming-project">The Naming Project</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/muslims-progressive-values">Muslims for Progressive Values</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/religious-institute">The Religious Institute</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/keshet">Keshet</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/believe-out-loud">Believe Out Loud</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/more-light-presbyterians">More Light Presbyterians</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Thu, 16 Oct 2014 22:09:46 +0000rossmurray72519 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/faith-organizations-share-spirit-spiritday#commentsMinneapolis Star Tribune profiles The Naming Project, an LGBT Christian youth camphttp://www.glaad.org/blog/minneapolis-star-tribune-profiles-naming-project-lgbt-christian-youth-camp
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-6-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img width="824" height="549" id="6" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-08/camp%20gal%20081014%2080.JPG?itok=ASe1Qrdm" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>On Sunday, <a href="http://www.startribune.com/local/270623031.html">The Minneapolis Star Tribune </a>highlighted the campers who attended <a href="http://www.thenamingproject.org/index.shtml" target="_blank">The Naming Project Summer Camp</a>,&nbsp;a groundbreaking summer camp that is a safe haven for Christian youth of all sexual and gender identities. The camp just celebrated its ten-year anniversary when gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender teenagers from across the country came together to explore their sexual orientations and gender identities in the context of their spirituality on a small island off Minnesota from July 20<sup>th</sup> to 25<sup>th</sup>. Many of you &nbsp;visited and helped The Naming Project make its <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/help-naming-project-raise-money-lgbt-youth">Indiegogo fundraiser goal</a> earlier this summer.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img height="292" width="400" style="margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left;" class="media-element file-file-styles-400px" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/400px/public/images/2014-08/camp%20gal%20081014%2086.JPG?itok=ZZt3AKoU" alt="" />The Naming Project is run by GLAAD&#39;s very own<a href="http://www.glaad.org/profile/ross-murray" target="_blank">&nbsp;Director of News, Ross Murray,</a>&nbsp;who spends the week immersed in the program&#39;s activities, connecting with campers through discussions, prayer, and song. At this camp, the teens learn that being Christian and being LGBT is not a contradiction.</p>
<p>This summer marked the first camp session since Minnesota began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. However, there is still a long way to go in the fight toward full equality. Murray spoke to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.startribune.com/local/270623031.html?page=1&amp;c=y" target="_blank">the Star Tribune</a>&nbsp;about the challenges these campers still face. &quot;What is the case for transgender people in terms of employment discrimination?&quot; he said. &quot;What is the case with bullying in high school?&quot; Certainly, there remain barriers to equality in the real world, but at this camp the teens can be themselves.</p>
<p><img height="267" width="400" style="margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: right;" class="media-element file-file-styles-400px" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/400px/public/images/2014-08/camp%20gal%20081014%2085_0.JPG?itok=WKVYUez-" alt="" /></p>
<p>In the Star Tribune article, many campers expressed what the camp means to them. Farley, a transgender 16 year old, said &quot;It&#39;s such a feeling of coming home.&quot; Before transitioning, the teen had attended a YMCA camp, where he had to room with girls. He said, &quot;It made me feel badly because I didn&#39;t view myself as female, but I was being treated as one.&quot; At the Naming Project, campers can choose to stay with whatever gender they feel closest to. For Farley, being surrounded with so much love and support and in such a beautiful wooded environment, &quot;it can be an emotional time.&quot; This sentiment was echoed by 18 year old Liv, who was moved to tears during a bonfire. She said, &quot;You are just so loved. And you&#39;re never judged.&quot;</p>
<p>Even though the summer camp is just one week long, the days are filled with so many activities, from campfires and arts and crafts, to the more serious group discussions and self-reflections that make this camp so unique. The camp was the subject of the 2006 award-winning <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018PH3N8?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=wwwthenamingp-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B0018PH3N8" target="_blank">documentary &quot;Camp Out,</a>&quot; which followed ten campers as they attended the &quot;first summer camp for gay Christian youth.&quot;</p>
<p>Read the full article, see the<a href="http://www.startribune.com/galleries/270624861.html"> rest of the photos in the photo gallery</a>, and watch a video <a href="http://www.startribune.com/local/270623031.html?page=1&amp;c=y" target="_blank">at the Star Tribune</a>.</p>
<p><img height="501" width="750" class="media-element file-file-styles-750px" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-08/camp%20gal%20081014%2088_0.JPG?itok=pNxII8kN" alt="" /></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">August 12, 2014</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/transgender">Transgender</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/naming-project">The Naming Project</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/camp-out">Camp Out</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/summer-camp">Summer Camp</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt-youth">LGBT youth</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/christian">Christian</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Tue, 12 Aug 2014 17:50:10 +0000jkatz71955 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/minneapolis-star-tribune-profiles-naming-project-lgbt-christian-youth-camp#commentsUS anti-gay activists seek to export anti-gay and anti-woman messages to Latin America http://www.glaad.org/blog/us-anti-gay-activists-seek-export-anti-gay-and-anti-woman-messages-latin-america
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-7-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img width="147" height="220" id="7" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-05/0079-web%28barber%29.jpg?itok=aP3763Mt" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/barber-nhclc-setting-firewall-fight-back-americas-cancerous-invasion-immorality">The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, an anti-LGBT activist group, announced a merger with CONELA, its counterpart in Latin America</a>. &nbsp;Together the new organization will now reach out to a combined 527,000 churches throughout the hemisphere.&nbsp; US evangelical activists see the merger as an opportunity to bring their anti-gay and anti-women messages which polls in the US show are decreasing in popularity to other audiences. &nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.glaad.org/cap/matt-barber">Matt Barber, a spokesperson for the Liberty Council who has made anti-gay statements in the past,</a> has said the following about the merger: &quot;And so NHCLC,&quot; Barber said, &quot;is really putting up a firewall to protect Latin America from, unfortunately, this cancerous invasion of immorality and [this] exporting [of] radical homosexual activism and radical pro-abortion activism, ultimately a culture of death.&quot;</p>
<p>As reported in the past, already groups have been holding meetings and events in Mexico and <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/next-anti-lgbt-export-target-peru">Peru</a> to spread discredited ideas about harmful conversion therapies that are increasingly being banned in the US.</p>
<p>Recently, <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/latino-coming-out-story-248449">Newsweek</a> online shared information about changing attitudes amongst religious Latinos.</p>
<p>Esther Baruja, soon to graduate with a master&#39;s degree in theology, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQCwdlEKKWs">recounts her story</a> about how she reconciled her love for another woman with her spiritual beliefs. She says &quot;For me it was important that the Bible be a part of my life as it had always been, so I looked for hope in the Bible. Thanks to God I found other perspectives, other points of view. What I found there was not new. It&#39;s what had always been there, that God loves all of humanity regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, social status.&quot;</p>
<p>It will be up to LGBTQ activists in the North and South to stay informed and connected to counteract negative and hurtful interpretations of evangelical beliefs now that the two organizations have merged across borders.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">May 13, 2014</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/anti-lgbt-activists">anti-LGBT activists</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/latino-lgbt">Latino LGBT</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/latin-america">Latin America</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/family">family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/familia">Familia</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/fe">Fe</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Tue, 13 May 2014 23:29:10 +0000janetquezada71008 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/us-anti-gay-activists-seek-export-anti-gay-and-anti-woman-messages-latin-america#commentsTurning away the poor because the church is LGBTQ inclusivehttp://www.glaad.org/blog/turning-away-poor-because-church-lgbtq-inclusive
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-8-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="8" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/Hoy%20Los%20Angeles.PNG?itok=OVfXziWE" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>A church that feeds the poor in Pasadena is being pushed out of its charitable efforts because the congregants and the pastor agreed to support their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families according to Hoy, Los Angeles.&nbsp; The Children's Hunger Fund provided the Pasadena Presbyterian Church of Pasadena with the resources to give out bags of food to the over 250 people that would line up every Sunday.&nbsp; In December the organization sent out a letter telling the church they no longer planned to support the program because the church had taken its LGBT supportive stance.&nbsp; The reporter, Soudi Jimènez interviews members of the church, like Maria Fernandez a long-time church leader whose son is gay and participants in the program.&nbsp; One of the participants reveals that his family of five barely makes enough to cover the expenses of what technically is not even a proper one-bedroom apartment.&nbsp; The food bags help him feed his family.&nbsp; Too bad that the organization whose mission it is to feed the poor wants to punish a congregation that is doing just that while also being an inclusive house of worship.</p>
<p>You can read the article in Spanish <a href="http://hoylosangeles.com/news/2014/feb/19/recortan-ayuda-alimentaria-iglesia-en-pasadena-por/#sthash.wsySGWp8.dpbs">here:</a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">February 20, 2014</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/hoy">Hoy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/los-angeles">Los Angeles</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/pasadena">Pasadena</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/familia">Familia</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/family">family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/latino-lgbtq">Latino LGBTQ</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/soudi-jimenez">Soudi Jimenez</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/fe">Fe</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Thu, 20 Feb 2014 20:04:53 +0000janetquezada69960 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/turning-away-poor-because-church-lgbtq-inclusive#commentsFaith organizations get into the spirit of #SpiritDayhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/faith-organizations-get-spirit-spiritday
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>This Thursday, congregations, faith leaders, and religious organizations will join millions of people to go purple for <a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday">Spirit Day</a>.</p>
<p><span id="styles-1-0" class="styles file-styles thumbnail"> <img id="1" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/1384194_10151894499606999_1828227250_n.jpg?itok=6FBPLBRv" alt="" title="" /></span><a href="http://www.thenamingproject.org/">The Naming Project</a>, a faith-based camp program for LGBTQ youth, has turned its logo purple on Facebook and encouraged its campers to go purple as well. Already several campers have turned their Facebook profile purple using the <a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday/app">Spirit Day app</a>.</p>
<p>The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.religiousinstitute.org/">Religious Institute</a>, who already has a great purple logo, is reaching out on social media, encouraging everyone who uses their resources to go purple for Spirit Day.</p>
<p><span id="styles-1-0" class="styles file-styles thumbnail"> <img width="104" height="100" id="1" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/1393554_10151623611275666_1120354763_n.png?itok=SCnTH9AM" alt="" title="" /></span>Catholic organizations are definitely getting into the spirit of Spirit Day! <a href="http://www.newwaysministry.org/">New Ways Ministry</a> has turned its logo purple and added the Spirit Day Banner to the top of its Facebook page. <a href="http://www.dignityusa.org/">Dignity USA</a> has posted to its Facebook page, encouraging LGBT Catholics and their allies to go purple. <a href="http://www.fortunatefamilies.com/">Fortunate Families</a> posted about Spirit Day on its Facebook page.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sojourngsd.org/">SOJOURN: Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity</a>&nbsp;is showing its spirit on Facebook page. We are also sending out a letter to schools to let them know of our experience as bully prevention facilitators and sharing the resource we have to make school a safer place and teaching students to become allies.</p>
<p>The Metropolitan Community Church, the country's oldest LGBT denomination, has placed a link to Spirit Day on the <a href="http://mccchurch.org/">denomination's web site</a>, encouraging all of its members to wear purple.</p>
<p><span id="styles-1-0" class="styles file-styles thumbnail"> <img id="1" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/1379940_10151962001278115_1738774603_n.jpg?itok=brN_VDrQ" alt="" title="" /></span><a href="http://www.mlp.org/2013/10/10/spirit-day-2013-bring-table/">More Light Presbyterians</a> created a graphic on their Facebook page, which reads, "This person supports LGBTQ youth and will speak out against homophobia, transphobia, and bullying." They also published a thoughtful post on their blog, entitled "Spirit Day 2013: Bring All You Are to the Table."</p>
<blockquote><p><em>God is breaking down categories and barriers between people and creating a new humanity in which all the particularities of how we identify ourselves—racial, e</em></p>
<p><em>thnic, gender, class—are accepted and blessed as they contribute to the expanding wonder and diversity of a human race created in God’s image. The new humanity that gathers with Jesus at his table come together as we are, secure in the knowledge that it is good and right to be who we are and to celebrate our identity in its myriad fullness. It is not only just OK to be gay, straight, bisexual, or transgender. It is good to be that way, because that is the way God has made you. And the Christian community, the world community, needs you to bring the totality of your being—including and maybe especially your sexual and gender identity—to the table.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Another Presbyterian organization, <a href="http://www.presbyterianwelcome.org/">Presbyterian Welcome</a>, has sent staff members to work with two congregational youth groups in New Jersey, talk about Spirit Day and how youth groups can be safer places for LGBTQ teens.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.reconcilingworks.org/news/news/577-october-is-spirit-month">ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation</a> posted graphics on their website, wishing everyone a "Happy Spirit Month," noting that October contains four major holidays central to the LGBT Lutheran movement: National Coming Out Day on October 11, Spirit Day on October 17, Ally Week from October 22-25 and Reformation Sunday on October 27.</p>
<p>There's still time to sign your congregation or faith-based organization up for Spirit Day. <a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday/endorse">Click here to join millions of people going purple to stand against bullying and to support LGBT youth</a>.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="222" id="25" style="height: 241px; width: 650px;;;" width="600" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/600px/public/526939_606543539388184_2018154417_n.jpg?itok=RSX31x7r" alt="" /></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">October 13, 2013</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/spirit-day">Spirit Day</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/spirit-day">Spirit Day</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/reconcilingworks">ReconcilingWorks</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/naming-project">The Naming Project</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/metropolitan-community-church">Metropolitan Community Church</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/jewish">Jewish</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/dignityusa">DignityUSA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/new-ways-ministry">New Ways Ministry</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/more-light-presbyterians">More Light Presbyterians</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/presbyterian-welcome">Presbyterian Welcome</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Sun, 13 Oct 2013 16:31:03 +0000rossmurray68501 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/faith-organizations-get-spirit-spiritday#commentsFather Peter Daly: The Catholic Church should support Boy Scouts' LGBT inclusionhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/father-peter-daly-catholic-church-should-support-boy-scouts-lgbt-inclusion
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-9-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="9" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/Boy%20Scouts%20Pride%20Flag.jpg?itok=jwLalGsq" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Father Peter Daly, a The National Catholic Reporter columnist, <a href="http://ncronline.org/blogs/parish-diary/catholic-church-should-support-boy-scouts-decision-sexual-orientation">published an op-ed praising </a>the recent decision by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/breaking-boy-scouts-allow-gay-youth">to include gay youth.</a> Father Daly, a pastor and former Scout, outlines why it is in the Church's and BSA's best interests to support inclusion for all Scouts.</p>
<p>Father Daly outlines the only real change this brings to the BSA on the ground: acceptance.</p>
<blockquote><p>"Boys can now be honest about themselves to others without fear of reprisal by the Scout leaders. Let's face it: There have always been gay Scouts. Just like there have always been gay men in the military and in the priesthood. In fact, we have always had some gay bishops, whether they want to admit it or not.</p>
<p>What is different now for our boys is that they no longer have to be afraid. They do not have to be afraid of reprisals and bullying. They do not have to be afraid that if someone knows they are gay, they will be excluded or expelled."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>He goes on to point out the hardships these youth are already experiencing.</p>
<blockquote><p>“Growing up is hard enough without an added layer of fear and discrimination.</p>
<p>Gay boys are no different from any other boys. They are experiencing their maturation in fits and starts. They are discovering what it is to be a man. They are figuring out what it means to love. If the boy is a Catholic, he is also discovering what it is to be a follower of Jesus Christ. That is hard for us all, whether we are hetero or homosexual, but there is an added a layer of difficulty for gay adolescents. I've witnessed this in my own ministry.</p>
<p>Three times in my 27 years as a priest, I have had to sit across the room from young men who tried to commit suicide because they were gay. Three times, I have heard their anguish as they told me that their church regarded them as "intrinsically disordered" and their love as seriously immoral. Three times I have had to hear them say that part of the reason for their despair was our preaching.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Father Daly also takes this oppurtunity to push for change within The Catholic Church's own policies.</p>
<blockquote><p>“Conservative Catholic theologians would no doubt demand that I condemn all homosexual acts as immoral. They would want pastors to insist that all gay boys must learn to carry their unique cross of perpetual life-long chastity, a burden we would never dream of imposing on heterosexuals. They would want me to say that all gay acts are evil and all inclinations are intrinsically disordered.</p>
<p>Well, let them say it. Let them say it to those boys who tried to commit suicide. Let them say it to the frightened little Scout who is still figuring out himself.</p>
<p>It is easy to be some ivory-tower theologian writing in the abstract. They are not speaking as pastors or parents or Scout leaders. There is truth in lived experience, too, just as much as in theories. That is real ‘ontological’ truth.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Father Daly finishes <a href="http://ncronline.org/blogs/parish-diary/catholic-church-should-support-boy-scouts-decision-sexual-orientation">his piece</a> by bringing it down to real world experience.</p>
<blockquote><p>"People who actually deal with gay youth know the Scouts did the right thing.</p>
<p>The Catholic church should support them."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>GLAAD&nbsp;<a href="http://www.glaad.org/scouts">first started calls</a>&nbsp;for the Boy Scouts of America to end its ban on gay Scouts and Scout leaders in April 2012 after Jennifer Tyrrell, a mom and den leader from Ohio was removed from her 7-year-old’s Cub Scout Pack for being gay. Tyrrell’s orginal&nbsp;<a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/boy-scouts-of-america-reinstate-cub-scout-leader-who-was-removed-for-being-gay">Change.org petition</a>&nbsp;has attracted more than 343,000 signatures in support of ending the Boy Scouts’ ban on gay Scouts and leaders. Tyrrell, together with GLAAD,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.change.org/petitions/boy-scouts-of-america-vote-to-end-your-ban-on-both-gay-youth-and-adult-leaders">has launched a new petition</a>&nbsp;to urge the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to completely lift its anti-gay ban on both youth members and adult employees and volunteers. To take action on this issue please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.glaad.org/denmother">www.glaad.org/denmother</a>. For more on GLAAD's work on this campaign, including a timeline of key events, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.glaad.org/scouts">www.glaad.org/scouts</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">July 19, 2013</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/religion-faith">Religion &amp; Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/catholic">Catholic</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/catholic-church-1">The Catholic Church</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/boy-scouts-america-0">The Boy Scouts of America</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/boy-scouts-america-bsa-0">The Boy Scouts of America (BSA)</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/bsa">BSA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/boy-scouts">Boy Scouts</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/scouts-0">#Scouts</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Fri, 19 Jul 2013 17:04:08 +0000ryanhoulihan67075 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/father-peter-daly-catholic-church-should-support-boy-scouts-lgbt-inclusion#commentsSouthern Baptists announce anti-gay Boy Scouts resolutionhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/southern-baptists-announce-anti-gay-boy-scouts-resolution
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-10-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="10" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/22568949_BG1.jpg?itok=3x2nkU8f" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>The Southern Baptist Church has approved a resolution of their "continued opposition to and disappointment" in the Boy Scouts of America's (BSA) decision this past May to open membership policies for openly gay youth.</p>
<p>The proposition <a href="http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=40499">states</a> that allowing gay youth to join "has the potential to complicate basic understandings of male friendships, needlessly politicize human sexuality, and heighten sexual tensions within the Boy Scouts." The Church also wishes to "declare our love in Christ for all young people regardless of their perceived sexual orientation, praying that God will bring all youth into a saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=40499">The resolution requests</a> that the Boy Scouts remove executive and board leaders who supported the change in policy and who have expressed support for gay leadership within the organization. The resolution does not request that all Southern Baptists immediately drop Scout sponsorship or involvement, and because each Sourth Baptist church operates independently it could not do so, but states that it would support any Southern Baptists who do leave the BSA. Rather, <a href="http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=40499">it encourages members</a> "to work toward the reversal of this new membership policy and to advocate against any future change in leadership and membership policy that normalizes sexual conduct opposed to the biblical standard."</p>
<p>"Religious groups that kicked out Boy Scout troops, just because they have allowed gay boys to participate in the program, have demonstrated that they do not care about the Boy Scouts of America and the majority of Americans who supported this decision, but rather advancing their own anti-gay agenda. The Boy Scouts have never required anyone to follow specific religious guidelines outside their requirement in the belief of God," said GLAAD's Director of News and Faith Initiatives, Ross Murray. "Fortunately, more and more congregations and denominations are helping and supporting those troops who are being exiled."</p>
<p><a href="http://glaad.org/scouts">GLAAD first started calls</a>&nbsp;for the Boy Scouts of America to end its ban on gay scouts and scout leaders in April 2012 after Jennifer Tyrrell, a mom and den leader from Ohio was removed from her 7-year-old’s Cub Scout Pack for being gay. Tyrrell’s original&nbsp;<a href="http://change.org/scouts">Change.org petition</a>&nbsp;has attracted more than 343,000 signatures in support of ending the Boy Scouts’ ban on gay Scouts and leaders. Tyrrell, together with GLAAD,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.change.org/petitions/boy-scouts-of-america-vote-to-end-your-ban-on-both-gay-youth-and-adult-leaders">has launched a new petition</a>&nbsp;to urge the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to completely lift its anti-gay ban on both youth members and adult employees and volunteers. To take action on this issue please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://glaad.org/denmother">www.glaad.org/denmother</a>. For more on GLAAD's work on this campaign, including a timeline of key events, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://glaad.org/scouts">www.glaad.org/scouts</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">June 12, 2013</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/boy-scouts">Boy Scouts</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/boy-scouts-america-bsa">Boy Scouts of America (BSA)</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/boy-scouts-america">Boy Scouts of America</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/boyscouts">#BoyScouts</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/southern-baptists">Southern Baptists</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 12 Jun 2013 19:38:55 +0000ryanhoulihan66485 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/southern-baptists-announce-anti-gay-boy-scouts-resolution#commentsSnapshots of our Workhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/snapshots-our-work-67
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img class="media-image" height="141" id="2" style="height: 141px; width: 423px;;;;;;;" width="423" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/snapshots%2520featured_5.png?itok=9311253S" alt="" /></p>
<p>Wonder what we’re up to at GLAAD?</p>
<p>Be sure to check out GLAAD Blog each week for updates about our latest work to build support for LGBT equality through news, entertainment and online media.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="423" id="2" style="height: 423px; width: 423px;;;;;;" width="423" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/947381_10152384926193840_268350419_n_1.jpg?itok=eq-bhpiI" alt="" /><br>Following the <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/breaking-boy-scouts-allow-gay-youth" target="_blank">Boy Scouts' decision</a> to repeal the ban on gay Scouts, GLAAD has been working with various media outlets to show the <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/faith-groups-react-boy-scouts-vote-drop-ban-gay-scouts" target="_blank">broad faith support</a> for dropping the ban. Ross Murray, GLAAD's Director of News and Faith Initiatives, appeared on <a href="http://video.msnbc.msn.com/msnbc/52002326" target="_blank">MSNBC</a>, the <a href="http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-05-24/national/39497383_1_mass-exodus-assemblies-royal-rangers">Washington Post</a>, <a href="http://swampland.time.com/2013/05/21/inside-the-boy-scout-battle-to-repeal-the-gay-ban/" target="_blank">Time Magazine</a>, and <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/churches-sever-ties-boy-scouts-lifted-ban-gay/story?id=19270860#.Ua3-JmR19bs" target="_blank">ABC News</a>, to talk about denominational reactions to inclusive scouting. <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/faith-groups-react-boy-scouts-vote-drop-ban-gay-scouts" target="_blank">Read more.</a></p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="282" id="2" style="height: 282px; width: 423px;;;;;;" width="423" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/100_0.JPG?itok=xfsbNCUi" alt="" /><br>GLAAD's Monica Trasandes did several interviews in Spanish-Language media last week about the importance of the recent change in the Boy Scouts of America's policy allowing the participation of gay youth. She discussed the topic on <em>Sin Limites</em> on the broadcast channel CNN Latino and on "El Show de Erazno y la Chokolata" the radio show heard nationally on over 15 stations in California, Texas, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada. She discussed the Boy Scouts policy as well as the importance of immigration reform for LGBT people and their families on the San Francisco Bay Area Spanish-language radio station KIQI AM 1010. <a href="http://www.glaad.org/scouts" target="_blank">Read more.</a></p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="317" id="2" style="height: 317px; width: 423px;;;;;;" width="423" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/1370121658000-AP-Gay-Lutheran-Bishop-1306011721_4_3_rx404_c534x401.jpg?itok=0vKpnyzc" alt="" /><br>The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America elected the first openly gay and Native American bishop on Friday. GLAAD worked with Rev. Dr. R. Guy Erwin to prepare him for the possibility of becoming elected bishop of the Southwest California Synod, providing best practices for speaking to the media and support. GLAAD was able to break the news of Dr. Erwin's election on Friday evening and get it to media outlets. Dr. Erwin's story has appeared in several media outlets, including <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/06/01/lutheran-assembly-elects-first-openly-gay-bishop/2380737/">USA Today</a>, the <a href="http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-lutheran-first-openly-gay-bishop-20130531,0,7261828.story">Los Angeles Times</a>, and <a href="http://www.advocate.com/politics/religion/2013/06/01/evangelical-lutheran-church-elects-first-openly-gay-bishop">The Advocate</a>.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="258" id="2" style="height: 258px; width: 423px;;;;;" width="423" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/SheZow-5451.jpg?itok=xjPXdqSH" alt="" /><br>GLAAD <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/anti-lgbt-activists-claim-cartoon-show-shezow-will-confuse-children-about-gender" target="_blank">spoke out</a> against anti-LGBT activists targeting the cartoon show SheZow, which features a 12-year-old boy named Guy who becomes a superhero by putting on a magic ring. Right-wing activists claimed that the show will confuse children about gender, but GLAAD's Rich Ferraro <a href="http://www.glaad.org/news/glaad-speaks-about-hubs-new-cartoon-shezow" target="_blank">pointed out</a> Jerry Falwell's similarly laughable claims that Tinky Winky of <em>The Teletubbies</em> was gay because he carried a purse. GLAAD Board Member Jennifer Finney Boylan also <a href="http://www.glaad.org/news/video-author-jennifer-boylan-speaks-about-new-cartoon-shezow-msnbc" target="_blank">spoke about SheZow</a> on MSNBC. <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/anti-lgbt-activists-claim-cartoon-show-shezow-will-confuse-children-about-gender" target="_blank">Read more.</a></p>
<p>To get the latest updates and take part in GLAAD’s work to build support for LGBT equality, be sure to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/glaad" target="_blank">‘like’ us on Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/glaad" target="_blank">follow us on Twitter</a>!</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">June 4, 2013</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/snapshots">Snapshots</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/boyscouts">#BoyScouts</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt-affirming-faith-leaders">LGBT-affirming faith leaders</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/evangelical-lutheran-church-america">Evangelical Lutheran Church in America</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/shezow">SheZow</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Mon, 03 Jun 2013 20:38:34 +0000daniheffernan66289 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/snapshots-our-work-67#commentsMormon Church Endorses Scouts Plans to Include Gay Youth but not Adultshttp://www.glaad.org/blog/mormon-church-endorses-scouts-plans-include-gay-youth-not-adults
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-11-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="11" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/rainbow%20boy%20scouts.jpg?itok=2Z64TnTJ" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>The LDS Church announced on Thursday that it would officially endorse <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/boy-scouts-america-moves-maintain-ban-gay-and-lesbian-parents-and-adults">The Boy Scouts of America's (BSA) recent proposal</a> to change their anti-gay policies and allow gay youth members, but not adults, to join the organization. The BSA will decide whether or not to adopt this new policy via an internal vote at the end of May.</p>
<p>The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, <a href="http://www.scouting.org/About/FactSheets/operating_orgs/Latter-day_Saints.aspx">the BSA's largest sponsor</a>, stated that it felt that "The current BSA proposal constructively addresses a number of important issues that have been part of the ongoing dialogue, including consistent standards for all BSA partners, recognition that Scouting exists to serve and benefit youth rather than Scout leaders, a single standard of moral purity for youth in the program, and a renewed emphasis for Scouts to honor their duty to God."</p>
<p>"The LDS Church’s endorsement may be crucial to the Scouts: the 14 million-member global faith has <a href="http://www.scouting.org/About/FactSheets/operating_orgs/Latter-day_Saints.aspx">420,977 youths in 37,882 Scouting</a> units across the nation," <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56217708-78/bsa-church-gay-leaders.html.csp">writes Peggy Fletcher Stack in The Salt Lake Tribune.</a></p>
<p>Kendall Wilcox, an openly gay Mormon filmmaker and a co-founder of Mormons Building Bridges, <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56217708-78/bsa-church-gay-leaders.html.csp">told The Salt Lake Tribune</a> that he felt the Scouts' proposal was a "step in the right direction," but that excluding gay leaders "sends a troubling message to youth" because excluding scouts upon their reaching adulthood tell them that "they are no longer considered worthy."&nbsp; Mormons Building Bridges is a pro-LGBT Mormon group which has been hosting "Community Conversations" at libraries to discuss the Scouts' proposal.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" id="2" style="height: 239px; width: 425px;" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/120417025412-gay-mormons-story-top_0_0.jpg?itok=k7ip37o_" alt="" /></p>
<p>It is an important step that the LDS Church support the inclusion of gay young people in Scouting, and follows a recent pattern of the church being <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/five-lgbt-religious-advances-2012">more supportive</a> of the LGBT community.&nbsp; However, Mormon leadership should also offer its support for a non-discrimination policy for gay and lesbian adults, <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705343621/Mormon-church-supports-Salt-Lake-Citys-protections-for-gay-rights.html">like it did for a city-wide non-discrimination ordinance in Salt Lake City in 2009</a>.</p>
<p>At the time, a church spokesperson said in a statement "I represent a church that believes in human dignity, in treating others with respect even when we disagree — in fact, especially when we disagree." The BSA's current proposal robs gay mothers and fathers of their dignity, by sending the message that 'gay youth are okay, but gay adults are dangerous.'</p>
<p><a href="http://glaad.org/scouts">GLAAD first started calls</a> for the Boy Scouts of America to end its ban on gay scouts and scout leaders in April 2012 after Jennifer Tyrrell, a mom and den leader from Ohio was removed from her 7-year-old’s Cub Scout Pack for being gay. Tyrrell’s<a href="http://change.org/scouts"> Change.org petition</a> has attracted more than 343,000 signatures in support of ending the Boy Scouts’ ban on gay Scouts and leaders. For more on GLAAD's work on this campaign, including a timeline of key events and way to take action, visit <a href="http://glaad.org/scouts">http://www.glaad.org/scouts</a> and <a href="http://glaad.org/denmother">http://www.glaad.org/denmother</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">April 26, 2013</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/young-adult">Young Adult</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/boy-scouts-america-0">The Boy Scouts of America</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/boy-scouts">Boy Scouts</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/boy-scouts-america-bsa">Boy Scouts of America (BSA)</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/bsa">BSA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/mormon">Mormon</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/church-jesus-christ-latter-day-saints">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:13:22 +0000ryanhoulihan65527 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/mormon-church-endorses-scouts-plans-include-gay-youth-not-adults#commentsBSA Ban doesn't just prevent LGBT scouts and leaders but sponsors as wellhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/bsa-ban-doesnt-just-prevent-lgbt-scouts-and-leaders-sponsors-well
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-12-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="12" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/scouts_600x225%5B1%5D.png?itok=E-5hyWgy" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>It would seem that the Boy Scout's discriminatory policies do not end with scouts and troop leaders but extend to sponsors as well. The BSA national council has <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56075103-78/scouts-pride-center-utah.html.csp">rejected</a> the proposal of a new troop in Utah that would have been sponsored by the <a href="http://www.utahpridecenter.org/">Utah Pride Center</a>. Every proposed scout and leader was straight, and the proposed troop leaders involved a rabbi and a reverend, but the proposal was still turned down. Additionally, the Center's proposed troop committee included members of the Jewish, Catholic and Latter-Day-Saint community, as well as Eagle Scout parents. Still not good enough. The leader of the troop would have been Great Salt Lake Council (BSA) member Nile Eatmon – a wonderful example of commitment to scouting. It would have been an ideal troop but the BSA denied the 10 middle-school-age kids the opportunity to participate in the Boy Scouts.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" id="6" style="float: right;;;" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/utahpride.PNG?itok=fpOPui8U" alt="" />It should be noted that the United Church of Christ, the most LGBT-affirming religious organization in the country and one whose views on LGBT issues align perfectly with groups like the Utah Pride Center, <a href="http://www.scouting.org/About/FactSheets/operating_orgs.aspx">sponsors nearly 1,200 scouting units and more than 38,000 scouts in the U.S. </a></p>
<p>Peter Brownstein, a leader for another troop in Salt Lake City and member of the proposed troop committee, thinks that a troop sponsored by the Utah Pride Center would allow more boys, whose parents are opposed to the BSA's ban, to join.</p>
<p>"I sincerely believe that the current Scout policy is a barrier, and without it, more young men would otherwise be able to benefit from a great program," Brownstein said.</p>
<p>While the BSA says that the results of a recent survey indicate that the boy scouts would lose membership if it revoked the ban, Brownstein and others believe that the Boy Scouts are missing out, not only on gay members and leaders, but allies as well. Last April, a board member for the Ohio River Valley Council of the BSA, David J. Sims, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/boy-scouts-america-board-member-resigns-support-gay-ohio-mom">resigned</a> in support of Jen Tyrell, who was ousted as leader of her son's Boy Scout troop because she is a lesbian.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" id="6" style="float: left;;;" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/UtahPetition_1.PNG?itok=166jU7EA" alt="" />There seems to be some passing around of the responsibilities for denying this troops application within the BSA. Great Salt Lake Council executive Rick Barnes, forwarded the application on to the national office, where it was denied, according to Barnes. The Utah Pride center has said that it understands and accepts the BSA's "don't ask, don't tell" gay policy and sexuality would not be a topic of discussion in the troop.</p>
<p>The Utah Pride center has a <a href="http://www.utahpridecenter.org/component/rsform/form/10-utahs-gay-youth-deserve-better">petition</a> asking the Boy Scouts to revoke their ban.</p>
<p>To get involved with GLAAD's work to get the BSA to revoke their ban visiting our <a href="http://www.glaad.org/scouts/">scouts</a> page.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">April 2, 2013</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/boy-scouts">Boy Scouts</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/lgbt">Lgbt</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/bsa">BSA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/ban">ban</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/petition">petition</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/utah-pride-center">Utah Pride Center</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:48:45 +0000hannahmoch64189 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/bsa-ban-doesnt-just-prevent-lgbt-scouts-and-leaders-sponsors-well#commentsReligion News Summary: More Boy Scouts, A Gay, Jewish Kids' Book, and the National Prayer Breakfasthttp://www.glaad.org/blog/religion-news-summary-more-boy-scouts-gay-jewish-kids-book-and-national-prayer-breakfast
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><strong><a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/boy-scout-leadership-recognizes-religious-support-dropping-gay-scout-ban">Read about the religious support for lifting of the Boy Scout ban.</a></strong></p>
<p><img class="media-image" id="6" style="margin: 5px; float: left;;;;;;" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/UCC_Boy_Scout_Banner.jpg?itok=tmnd5Y-G" alt="" />The Boy Scouts of America dominated the news media again this week, and <a href="http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/joannabrooks/6796/bsa___gay__ok_/">religious support</a> continued to strongly favor dropping the ban on gay scouts and leaders. The <a href="http://www.ucc.org/news/connecticut-ucc-member-and.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UnitedChurchOfChrist+%28United+Church+of+Christ%29">United Church of Christ</a> released a statement of support and participated in <a href="http://www.ucc.org/news/united-church-of-christ-9.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20UnitedChurchOfChrist%20%28United%20Church%20of%20Christ%29">National Scout Sunday</a>. Presbyterian and Methodist leaders also spoke out against the ban. <a href="http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/joannabrooks/6796/bsa___gay__ok_/">Under pressure to make a decision</a>, the BSA elected to push back the vote to their national meeting in May.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/presbyterian-clergy-call-end-ban-gay-scouts"> Read more about the Presbyterian Church's response.</a></strong></p>
<p>Across the pond, the UK Parliament passed marriage equality legislation in spite of <a href="http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/elizabethdrescher/6815/over_objections_of_new_arch__of_cant__uk_oks_marriage_equality/">opposition from the &nbsp;Archbishop of Canterbury</a>, and a <a href="http://www.thisissussex.co.uk/sex-couples-marry-Hindu-temple-Ifield/story-18000381-detail/story.html#axzz2K9K5sr9d">Hindu temple in Sussex</a> will begin performing weddings for same-sex couples. An <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/arts/books/a-gamut-of-gay-voices/article4369138.ece">anthology of gay Hindu stories</a> was also released this week. Unrelated, <a href="http://www.queerty.com/grandma-storms-out-of-homophobic-sermon-makes-gay-grandson-proud-20130205/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29">an awesome grandma</a> stormed out of a homophobic sermon in a show of support for her grandson.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/family-research-council-tries-co-opt-scout-sunday-people-faith-call-inclusion">Read about the Family Research Council trying to co-opt Scout Sunday.</a></strong></p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="210" id="2" style="font-size: 12px; height: 210px; width: 250px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: right;;;;;;;;;;;;" width="250" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/cover-art-Purim-Superhero-596x500.jpg?itok=IS-yuDi1" alt="" />Multiple articles this week called on the evangelical <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/evangelical-churches-try-to-find-right-balance-on-gay-issues-as-public-opinion-evolves/2013/01/31/9fbdad92-6bbd-11e2-8f4f-2abd96162ba8_story.html">church to evolve on their position</a> about LBGT equality. LGBT Jewish families were excited this week when they discovered a new kids' book for Purim <a href="http://www.jewishpress.com/news/lgbt-jews-excited-about-kids-purim-book-with-two-dads/2013/01/31/">that features two dads</a>. &nbsp;A transgender teacher at a <a href="http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/29/transgender-teacher-sues-catholic-prep-school-for-alleged-discrimination/">Catholic prep school</a> in Queens was fired after working for 32 years and is suing the school for discrimination; students have <a href="https://www.change.org/petitions/st-francis-preparatory-high-school-formally-apologize-to-mark-krolikowski-for-sexual-discrimination">started a petition in support of the teacher</a>, who was well liked and popular.</p>
<p><strong>Anglican<br> </strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/elizabethdrescher/6815/over_objections_of_new_arch__of_cant__uk_oks_marriage_equality/">Over Objections of New Arch. Of Cant., UK Okays Marriage Equality</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>Religion Dispatches, February 5, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Baptist</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.christianpost.com/news/baptist-leaders-predict-mass-exodus-from-scouts-over-gay-leader-decision-89044/"><strong>Baptist Leaders Predict ‘Mass Exodus’ From Scouts Over Gay Leader Decision</strong></a>
<ul>
<li>Christian Post, January 29, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kim-corsaro/growing-up-lesbian_b_2585628.html?utm_hp_ref=lesbian">The First Time I Heard the Word 'Lesbian'</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>The Huffington Post, January 30, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="http://johnshore.com/2013/01/30/would-you-confront-a-pastor-as-this-gay-man-did/"><strong>Would you confront a pastor as this gay man did?</strong></a>
<ul>
<li>John Shore, January 30, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Boy Scouts</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/boy-scouting-community-divided-over-news-that-national-group-may-lift-ban-on-gays/2013/01/28/ea366414-699b-11e2-af53-7b2b2a7510a8_story.html?wprss=rss_on-faith"><strong>Boy Scouting community divided over news that national group may lift ban on gays</strong></a>
<ul>
<li>The Washington Post, January 28, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/joannabrooks/6796/bsa___gay__ok_/"><strong>BSA: Gay, OK?!</strong></a>
<ul>
<li>Religion Dispatches, January 29, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/guest-voices/post/for-gay-boy-scouts-the-fight-goes-on/2013/02/01/78aa10d4-6c84-11e2-bd36-c0fe61a205f6_blog.html">For Gay Boy Scouts, the fight goes on</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>The Washington Post, February 1, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UnitedChurchOfChrist/~3/TYSJ8ehlgkk/connecticut-ucc-member-and.html">Connecticut UCC member and former Boy Scout pushes for anti-gay policy change</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>United Church of Christ News, February 1, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.ucc.org/news/united-church-of-christ-9.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UnitedChurchOfChrist+%28United+Church+of+Christ%29">United Church of Christ congregations call for Boy Scout policy change during National Scout Sunday</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>United Church of Christ News, February 1, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://sdgln.com/social/2013/02/02/anti-gay-group-tries-co-opt-scout-sunday-people-faith-call-inclusion">Anti-gay group tries to co-opt "Scout Sunday," but people of faith call for inclusion</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>San Diego Gay and Lesbian News, February 2, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2013/02/04/53504">Where do the Mormons stand on the gay scouting issue?</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>Box Turtle Bulletin, February 4, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/55766974-78/church-scouts-lds-lake.html.csp">Salt Lake Scouts: Keep no-gay policy—for now</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>The Salt Lake Times, February 4, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/presbyterian-clergy-call-end-ban-gay-scouts">Presbyterian Clergy Call for End to Ban on Gay Scouts</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>GLAAD, February 4, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.ucc.org/news/commentary-boy-scout-policy.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20UnitedChurchOfChrist%20%28United%20Church%20of%20Christ%29">Commentary: Boy Scout policy shift would benefit everyone</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>United Church of Christ News, February 5, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://lutheransconcerned.blogspot.com/2013/02/loyal-and-obedient-perspective-from-gay.html">Loyal and Obedient: a Perspective from a Gay Eagle Scout</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>Reconciling Works, February 5, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/2013/02/05/southern-baptist-convention-catastrophe-to-lift-gay-ban-on-boy-scouts/">Southern Baptist Convention: "Catastrophe" to lift gay ban on Boy Scouts</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>CNN, February 5, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/02/06/boy-scout-leaders-to-vote-on-ending-ban-against-gay-membership/">Boy Scout leaders to vote on ending ban against gay membership</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>CNN, February 6, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.ucc.org/news/ucc-advocates-disappointed-by.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20UnitedChurchOfChrist%20%28United%20Church%20of%20Christ%29">UCC advocates disappointed by delay of Boy Scout's anti-gay policy revision</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>United Church of Christ News, February 6, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="http://blog.chron.com/sacredduty/2013/02/deferred-boy-scout-ban-decision-still-forces-churches-to-make-one-of-their-own/"><strong>Deferred Boy Scout decision forces churches to make choice of their own</strong></a>
<ul>
<li>Houston Chronicle, February 6, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Catholic </strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/evetushnet/2013/01/an-english-gay-catholic.html"><strong>“An English Gay Catholic”</strong></a>
<ul>
<li>Patheos, January 29, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2013/01/coloradocatholic.html"><strong>Colorado Catholic Adoption Agencies Say They Won’t Serve Gay Couples, Suggest It’s Not ‘Safe’: Video</strong></a>
<ul>
<li>Towleroad, January 29, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/29/transgender-teacher-sues-catholic-prep-school-for-alleged-discrimination/"><strong>Transgender teacher sues Catholic prep school for alleged discrimination</strong></a>
<ul>
<li>CNN, January 29, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2013/01/30/1515501/catholic-bishops-to-scotus-deny-marriage-equality-because-being-gay-is-just-conduct/">Catholic Bishops to SCOTUS: Deny Marriage Equality Because Being Gay is Just 'Conduct'</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>Think Progress, January 30, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2013/01/31/dont-legalize-gay-marriage-bishops-tell-supreme-court/">Don't legalize gay marriage, bishops tell Supreme Court</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, January 31, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.religionnews.com/2013/02/04/vatican-signals-options-for-protecting-gay-couples/">Vatican signals options for protecting gay couples</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>Religion News Service, February 4, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="http://bigstory.ap.org/article/catholic-bishops-conflicted-over-gays-immigration"><strong>Catholic bishops conflicted over gays, immigration</strong></a>
<ul>
<li>Associated Press, February 6, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Christian </strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/proposed-b.c.-christian-law-school-attacked-by-pro-gay-activists-over-volun/"><strong>Proposed B.C. Christian law school attacked pro-gay activists over voluntary morality pledge</strong></a>
<ul>
<li>Lifesite News, January 29, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/guest-voices/post/what-conservative-christians-should-learn-from-dan-cathy/2013/01/31/1b388f40-6bd8-11e2-bd36-c0fe61a205f6_blog.html?wprss=rss_on-faith">What conservative Christians should learn from Dan Cathy</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>The Washington Post, January 31, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/five-simple-lessons-from-shane-windmeyers-friendship-with-chick-fil-as-dan-cathy/2013/01/31/1e4c09fa-6bce-11e2-bd36-c0fe61a205f6_story.html">Five simple lessons from Shane Windmeyer's friendship with Chick-fil-A's Dan Cathy</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>The Washington Post, January 31, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/02/01/uk-pro-gay-christians-urged-to-pray-ahead-of-same-sex-marriage-vote/">UK: Pro-gay Christians urged to pray ahead of same-sex marriage vote</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>Pink News, February 1, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/top-gay-christian-says-new-archbishop%E2%80%99s-plan-attack-gay-marriage-%E2%80%98horrific%E2%80%99040213">Top gay Christian says new archbishop's plan to attack gay marriage is 'horrific'</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>Gay Star News, February 4, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.queerty.com/grandma-storms-out-of-homophobic-sermon-makes-gay-grandson-proud-20130205/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+queerty2+%28Queerty%29">Grandma Storms Out of Homophobic Sermon, Makes Gay Grandson Proud</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>Queerty, February 5, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Episcopal</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.believeoutloud.com/latest/bishop-gene-robinson-accepts-award-commitment-lgbt-equality"><strong>Bishop Gene Robinson Accepts Award For Commitment to LGBT Equality</strong></a>
<ul>
<li>Believe Out Loud, January 29, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Evangelical</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/31/evangelical-churches-message-gay-issues_n_2590520.html"><strong>Evangelical Churches Refine Message On Gay Issues</strong></a>
<ul>
<li>The Huffington Post, January 31, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/evangelical-churches-try-to-find-right-balance-on-gay-issues-as-public-opinion-evolves/2013/01/31/9fbdad92-6bbd-11e2-8f4f-2abd96162ba8_story.html">Evangelical churches try to find right balance on gay issues as public opinion evolves</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>The Washington Post, January 31, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/sexandgender/6798/megachurch_pastor__we_re__american_al_qaeda__for_opposing_homosexuality/">Megachurch Pastor: We're "American Al Qaeda" for Opposing Homosexuality</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>Religion Dispatches, February 3, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2013/02/ex-gay-blogger-for-the-christian-post-caught-on-grindr-admits-his-disobedience-to-christ.html">'Ex-Gay' Blogger for the 'Christian Post' Caught on Grindr, Admits his 'Disobedience to Christ'</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>Towleroad, February 5, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://johnshore.com/2013/02/05/to-matt-moore-the-christian-ex-gay-blogger-found-on-grindr/">To Matt Moore, the Christian "ex-gay" blogger found on Grindr</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>John Shore, February 5, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Hindu</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&amp;q=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/books/a-gamut-of-gay-voices/article4369138.ece&amp;ct=ga&amp;cad=CAcQARgAIAAoATAAOABA_uG1iAVIAlAAWABiBWVuLVVT&amp;cd=UMOr6vRydQ0&amp;usg=AFQjCNG4KhDP1CFkBXlOkFDFIkWiT6zqgw">A gamut of gay voices</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>The Hindu, February 2, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.thisissussex.co.uk/sex-couples-marry-Hindu-temple-Ifield/story-18000381-detail/story.html">Same-sex couples can now marry at Hindu temple in Ifield</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>Sussex, February 2, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Jewish<br> </strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.jewishpress.com/news/lgbt-jews-excited-about-kids-purim-book-with-two-dads/2013/01/31/">LGBT Jews Excited About Kids' Purim Book with Two Dads</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>The Jewish Press, January 31, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.myjewishlearning.com/blog/keshet/2013/02/01/schmekel-100-trans-jews/">Schmekel: 100% Trans Jews</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>Keshet, February 1, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/tygrrrr-express/2013/feb/1/chuck-hagel-time-liberal-jews-decide/">Chuck Hagel: Time for liberal Jews to decide</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>The Washington Times, February 1, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.timesofisrael.com/its-a-bird-its-a-plane-its-a-gay-jewish-superhero/">It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a gay Jewish superhero!</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>The Times of Israel, February 5, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.timesofisrael.com/french-jewish-leaders-weigh-in-against-gay-marriage/">French Jewish leaders weigh in against gay marriage</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>The Times of Israel, February 6, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Lutheran</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.rrstar.com/news/x711915260/Rockford-area-churches-join-movement-for-LGBT-inclusivity">Rockford area churches join movement for LGBT inclusivity</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>Rockford Register Star, February 5, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Marriage Equality </strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://news.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/2013/01/ri-state-council-of-churches-endorses-same-sex-marriageready.html">RI State Council of Churches Endorses Same-Sex Marriage</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>The Providence Journal, January 31, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/queerty2/~3/_P3MkH12okg/">IL Takes First Step Towards Gay Marriage With Senate Executive Committee Approval</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>Queerty, February 6, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/opinions/why-orthodox-jews-should-not-oppose-legalizing-same-sex-marriage/2013/02/06/'">Why Orthodox Jews Should Not Oppose Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>The Jewish Press, February 6, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Metropolitan Community Church</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-dr-nancy-wilson/obama-national-prayer-breakfast-lgbt-people_b_1261299.html"><strong>An Open Letter to Obama on the National Prayer Breakfast and LGBT People</strong></a>
<ul>
<li>Huffington Post, February 7, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Mormon</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsfaithblog/55726294-180/marriott-marriage-bill-business.html.csp"><strong>Mormon-owned Marriott against anti-gay-marriage law? Hardly a surprise</strong></a>
<ul>
<li>The Salt Lake Tribune, January 29, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.standard.net/stories/2013/01/29/lds-church-wont-comment-possible-change-boy-scouts-gay-policy"><strong>LDS Church won’t comment on possible change in Boy Scouts’ gay policy</strong></a>
<ul>
<li>Standard Examiner, January 29, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/55740723-78/gay-mormons-younger-accepting.html.csp">Younger Mormons more accepting of gay Utahns, panel says</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>The Salt Lake Tribune, January 31, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Muslim</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/6962.htm"><strong>Imam in US Mosque: Islam Does Not Ban Homosexuality</strong></a>
<ul>
<li>Mermi, January 30, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/01/30/uk-government-minister-sayeeda-warsi-condemns-anti-gay-east-london-muslim-vigilante-groups/"><strong>UK: Government minister Sayeeda Warsi condemns anti-gay east London ‘Muslim vigilante’ groups</strong></a>
<ul>
<li>Pink News, January 30, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&amp;q=http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/muslim-voice-gay-rights010213&amp;ct=ga&amp;cad=CAcQARgAIAAoATAAOABA1f-wiAVIAlAAWABiBWVuLVVT&amp;cd=oO6MLtUNadU&amp;usg=AFQjCNG4QgRSTHKj7a0YNqQwWzbdcbbCyA">A Muslim Voice for Gay Rights</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>Gay Star News, February 1, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://michiganjournal.org/2013/02/05/hidden-voices-brings-awareness-to-lgbt-muslims-2/">"Hidden Voices" brings awareness to LGBT Muslims</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>The Michigan Journal, February 5, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Politics</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://swampland.time.com/2013/02/06/gay-controversies-tempered-as-national-prayer-breakfast-returns/"><strong>Gay Controversies Tempered as National Prayer Breakfast Returns</strong></a>
<ul>
<li>Time, February 6, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Quaker</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/gay-marriage-the-struggle-for-equal-rights-is-a-quaker-one-too-8481736.html">Gay Marriage: The struggle for equal rights is a Quaker one, too</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>The Independent, February 2, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Unitarian Universalist</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20130130/ADV01/301300258/Door-County-Courts-will-decide-same-sex-marriage">Door County: Courts will decide on same-sex marriage</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>Greenbay Press Gazette, January 30, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/01/un-conversion-therapy_n_2600742.html">UN Tackles Gay 'Conversion Therapy' For First Time</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>The Huffington Post, February 1, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.ourmidland.com/blogs/article_06d582ca-6bc3-11e2-89ae-0019bb2963f4.html">Truth and Meaning: Civil rights for all</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>Midland Daily News, February 2, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>United Church of Christ</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.ucc.org/news/otis-moss-iii-to-headline.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UnitedChurchOfChrist+%28United+Church+of+Christ%29">Otis Moss III to headline Open and Affirming Banquet at General Synod 2013</a></strong>
<ul>
<li>United Church of Christ, February 5, 2013</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">February 6, 2013</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/boy-scouts-america-bsa">Boy Scouts of America (BSA)</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/bsa">BSA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/religion-news-summary">Religion News Summary</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/hindu">Hindu</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:15:36 +0000toddclayton62236 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/religion-news-summary-more-boy-scouts-gay-jewish-kids-book-and-national-prayer-breakfast#commentsFive LGBT Religious Advances in 2012http://www.glaad.org/blog/five-lgbt-religious-advances-2012
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>There was a time, not so long ago, when religion was a unified front against LGBT equality. However, over the years, we have seen that paradigm change. 2012 witnessed religious people and organizations at the forefront of LGBT advancement. This past spring, GLAAD released “<a href="http://www.glaad.org/publications/missingvoices">Missing Voices</a>” which noted that pro-LGBT religious voices were largely missing in the media, despite significantly increased LGBT inclusion in religious communities. We publically challenged the media to include more pro-LGBT voices of faith. By the end of the year, we saw several religious leaders stepping out and speaking up. The support came from some pretty surprising places. Take a look.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>State Marriage Equality Victories</strong></h2>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151236414868840&amp;set=pb.186319338839.-2207520000.1356624508&amp;type=3&amp;theater"><img class="media-image" height="150" id="2" style="height: 150px; width: 150px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left;;;" width="150" src="http://www.glaadblog.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/534486_10151236414868840_625664604_n%20%281%29.png?itok=W7tb_UP1" alt="" /></a>Marriage equality won big in <a href="http://www.glaad.org/vote/maine">Maine</a>, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/vote/maryland">Maryland</a>, and <a href="http://www.glaad.org/vote/washington">Washington</a>, and an anti-marriage equality constitutional amendment was defeated in <a href="http://www.glaad.org/vote/minnesota">Minnesota</a>. One major reason for our wins was the leadership of <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/faith-leads-marriage-equality">LGBT faith organizations</a>. Each state campaign included a faith director, and in many instances, national LGBT religious organizations dedicated resources and staff efforts to ensure marriage equality. The <a href="http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/11/30/after-gay-marriage-successes-gay-activists-look-to-build-on-new-faith-outreach-techniques/comment-page-1/">playbook for marriage equality has been re-written with religious voices leading the way</a>. Even as we close out the year, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/24/us/260-in-illinois-clergy-call-for-legal-gay-marriage.html?pagewanted=1&amp;_r=0&amp;nl=todaysheadlines&amp;emc=edit_th_20121224">over 260 faith leaders in Illinois</a> are making public their support for marriage equality.</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="239" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vWyi11noULM" width="425"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>Catholics Support LGBT Equality</strong></h2>
<p><img class="media-image" height="113" id="2" style="height: 113px; width: 150px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left;;;;" width="150" src="http://www.glaadblog.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/OutFrontRally%20010_0.jpg?itok=pCjpBKGK" alt="" />In so many ways, this item is related to the post above it, but it has its own special twist. The Roman Catholic hierarchy was the staunchest and leading opponent to marriage equality. Catholic Bishops required <a href="http://www.glaad.org/news/minnesota-archbishop-issues-marriage-prayer-roman-catholics-recite-mass">anti-gay prayers at mass</a>, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/does-religious-liberty-mean-bullying-your-own-flock-believers">made outrageous statements</a>, and even <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/roman-catholic-church-leaders-choose-doctrine-over-human-dignity">persecuted some of their most devout followers</a>. The Roman Catholic hierarchy <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/roman-catholic-hierarchy-supports-noms-divisive-strategy">poured tremendous money and energy</a> into opposing LGBT equality, particularly in <a href="http://www.glaad.org/news/maines-top-catholic-speaks-against-marriage-equality">Maine</a>, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/lgbt-allied-latinos-raise-voices-marriage-equality-key-states">Maryland, Washington and Minnesota</a>. The <a href="http://www.glaad.org/news/knights-columbus-donate-millions-anti-gay-marriage-effort-report-says">Knights of Columbus donated $6.5 million</a> to anti-gay causes. However, despite the pressure from Roman Catholic hierarchy, Catholic political leaders <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/washington-governor-signs-marriage-equality-bill-law">passed marriage equality legislation</a> and <a href="http://www.glaad.org/news/catholics-defy-bishops-pray-marriage-equality">Catholic people voted</a> overwhelmingly for LGBT equality. Some even suffered backlash from their leadership for being outspoken. However, GLAAD was able to lift up stories and examples of people like <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/closure-priest-who-denied-communion-lesbian-no-longer-employed-diocese">Barbara Johnson</a>, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/letdominicspeak-support-gay-catholic-high-school-graduation-speaker-and-graduating-class">Dominic Sheahan Stahl</a>, <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/catholic-teen-denied-confirmation-supporting-marriage-equality">Lenin Cihak</a>, and the <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/american-catholics-support-marriage-equality-despite-church-position">Equally Blessed Coalition</a> of LGBT Catholic organizations.</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="239" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3wLQ63LMC-A" width="425"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>LGBT Students at Conservative Religious Colleges </strong></h2>
<p><img class="media-image" height="96" id="2" style="height: 96px; width: 150px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left;;;;" width="150" src="http://www.glaadblog.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/OnGodsCampus-2012-final-ptermclean.jpg?itok=BiUuNZTr" alt="" />Often, conservative religious schools are known for squashing any dissenting voices, particularly involving LGBT concerns. This year, LGBT and allied students and alumni from conservative religious schools are finding each other and making their voices heard. Students at Biola University formed <a href="http://www.thebiolaqueerunderground.com/">Biola Queer Underground</a>, sparking <a href="http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/05/24/11833663-underground-gay-group-emerges-shaking-evangelical-christian-college?lite">on-campus and off-campus conversation</a> about how LGBT students are treated at the school. LGBT alumni of Bob Jones University formed <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/bob-jones-university-lgbt-alumni-organize-and-march-nyc-lgbt-pride">BJUnity</a> and marched in the New York City Pride Parade. The blog “<a href="http://queerphc.wordpress.com/category/queer-at-patrick-henry-college/">Queer at Patrick Henry College</a>” shared the anonymous postings of LGBT students. The <a href="http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/petermontgomery/6692/queer_bloggers_make_homeschooler_christian_college_president_cranky/">president of Patrick Henry College</a> first threatened to sue the blog, but later stated that there could be no LGBT students at Patrick Henry, since every student signs an agreement, promising not to be gay. Orthodox Jewish <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/jewish-forward-highlights-transgender-jews">Yeshiva University</a> in New York City witnessed one of its <a href="http://www.advocate.com/news/2008/09/18/trans-jews-transgender-professor-takes-yeshiva">faculty members transition</a>, allowing <a href="http://forward.com/articles/153010/a-transsexual-at-yeshiva-university/">Joy Ladin</a> to continue teaching. Students at <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/lgbtq-club-denied-charter-point-loma-nazarene-university">Point Loma Nazarene University</a> in San Diego, as well as students at <a href="http://www.metroweekly.com/feature/?ak=5102">Catholic University of America</a>, have been organizing to form LGBT student organizations, and encountering administration roadblocks.</p>
<p><object align="middle" data="http://www.10news.com/html/video-assets/swf/EndPlayVideoPlayer_v1_3_FP10_2.swf?v=101712_0&amp;env=100" height="351" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.10news.com/html/video-assets/swf/EndPlayVideoPlayer_v1_3_FP10_2.swf?v=101712_0&amp;env=100" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allownetworking" value="all" /><param name="wmode" value="opaque" /><param name="flashvars" value="src=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.10news.com%2Fvideo%2Fvideo_studio%2F2012%2F12%2F11%2FGay_themed_group_denied_charter_at_Point_15393.mp4&amp;plugin_vast=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.10news.com%2Fhtml%2Fvideo-assets%2Fswf%2Fplugins%2FPluginEPAdIMA_v1_3_FP10_2.swf&amp;vast_ads=true&amp;vast_preRoll=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fpfadx%2Fssp.kgtv%2Fnews%2Fdetail%3Bdcmt%3Dtext%2Fxml%3Bsz%3D1x1000%3Bpos%3Dnative%3Bloc%3D%25loc%25%3Btile%3D1%3Bfname%3Dgay-themed-group-denied-charter-at-point-loma-nazarene-university-121112%3Bord%3D406275192508474000%3Frand%3D%25rand%25&amp;vast_postRoll=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fpfadx%2Fssp.kgtv%2Fnews%2Fdetail%3Bdcmt%3Dtext%2Fxml%3Bsz%3D3x1000%3Bpos%3Dnative%3Bloc%3D%25loc%25%3Btile%3D1%3Bfname%3Dgay-themed-group-denied-charter-at-point-loma-nazarene-university-121112%3Bord%3D406275192508474000%3Frand%3D%25rand%25&amp;vast_overlay=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fpfadx%2Fssp.kgtv%2Fnews%2Fdetail%3Bdcmt%3Dtext%2Fxml%3Bsz%3D320x40%3Bpos%3Dnative%3Bloc%3D%25loc%25%3Btile%3D1%3Bfname%3Dgay-themed-group-denied-charter-at-point-loma-nazarene-university-121112%3Bord%3D406275192508474000%3Frand%3D%25rand%25&amp;plugin_omniture=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.10news.com%2Fhtml%2Fvideo-assets%2Fswf%2Fplugins%2FPluginEndPlayOmniture_v1_3_FP10_2.swf&amp;omniture_vidSegment=M&amp;omniture_vidContent=video&amp;omniture_debugTracking=false&amp;omniture_account=ewstvkgtv&amp;omniture_visitorNamespace=ewstv&amp;omniture_trackingServer=ewstv.112.2o7.net&amp;omniture_trackingServerSecure=ewstv.102.122.2o7.net&amp;omniture_vidID=0&amp;omniture_id=video_player48443595&amp;epD=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.wcpo.com%2F&amp;showMenu=true&amp;shareUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.10news.com%2Fnews%2Fgay-themed-group-denied-charter-at-point-loma-nazarene-university-121112&amp;shareTitle=Gay-themed%20group%20denied%20charter%20at%20Point%20Loma%20Nazarene%20University&amp;poster=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.10news.com%2Fphoto%2F2012%2F12%2F11%2FGay_themed_group_denied_charter_at_Point_153930000_338389_ver1.0_320_240.jpg&amp;embed=true&amp;toggleVideoCode=3&amp;emailAction=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.10news.com%2Ffrontend-action-portlet%2Frestful%2Femailaction&amp;vW=320&amp;vH=240&amp;cntrlH=32" /></object></p>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>Pro-LGBT Mormons</strong></h2>
<p><img class="media-image" height="84" id="2" style="height: 84px; width: 150px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left;;;;" width="150" src="http://www.glaadblog.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/120417025412-gay-mormons-story-top_0.jpg?itok=iVAUS9Ai" alt="" />Mormons are probably still best known as the muscle behind California’s Proposition 8. Since then, many <a href="http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/04/17/gay-rights-activists-see-mormons-softening-attitudes-toward-their-community/">individual Mormons have been doing some soul searching</a>. Former Mormon Bishop Kevin Kloosterman shared why he started supporting LGBT equality, and it was the impact of “<a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/queer-eye-mormon-bishop-guy">Queer Eye for the Straight Guy</a>.” LGBT and allied Mormons <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/mormons-take-steps-toward-lgbt-acceptance">marched in Pride parades</a> around the country. These changes are prompting some soul searching within the Mormon hierarchy, who just created a new web site, <a href="http://www.mormonsandgays.org/">www.mormonsandgays.org</a>, as an attempt of the Mormon Church to reach out to LGBT Mormons. The web site indicates very little change in policy, but slight shifts in attitude are hinted. It states that the church no longer recommends gay and lesbian people to marry the opposite sex. While the Mormon Church has a long way to go in fully accepting and affirming LGBT people, we will likely see more movement within the Mormon Church over the coming years, as more allied Mormons speak out.</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="239" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/quuC9mfV2aY" width="425"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>The Episcopal Church </strong></h2>
<p><img class="media-image" height="114" id="2" style="height: 114px; width: 150px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left;;;;" width="150" src="http://www.glaadblog.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/EPISCOPALChurchWelcome.jpg?itok=P8EP47ms" alt="" />The Episcopal Church has been on a decade-long trajectory of LGBT inclusion, since electing its first openly gay bishop, Gene Robinson. Bishop Robinson had a very active year, which is more fully documented in our <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/10-pro-lgbt-faith-voices-2012">top pro-LGBT faith voices</a> post. The Episcopal Church went even further this year. The conventional wisdom is that advocacy groups can’t advocate for more than one LGBT issue at a time. The Episcopal Church broke that wisdom, successfully passing four resolutions addressing LGBT equality in church and society. They quickly showed support for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and anti-bullying initiatives. The church got the most attention for passing a <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/episcopal-church-authorizes-new-blessing-gay-and-lesbian-couples">rite of blessing for same-gender couples</a>. However, the most significant advancement that The Episcopal Church accomplished was a <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/episcopal-church-votes-include-transgender-people-77th-general-convention">non-discrimination policy for transgender people</a>. This policy ensures the inclusion of transgender people in their membership in the church, as well as their leadership, including ordained ministry. The Episcopal Church is the largest denomination to have a specific protection for transgender people, making it easier for other similar denominations to follow suit. Episcopal support for LGBT people has caused some ecumenical friction, as when Bishop Marc Andrus was <a href="http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/10/05/bishop-bruhaha-in-san-francisco/comment-page-1/">snubbed at the installation</a> of San Francisco Roman Catholic Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone for his outspoken support of LGBT people.</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="319" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4wJQ5Oo8BrY" width="425"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The progress of 2012 will likely continue in 2013, as more and more people of faith are stepping out to speak to their own discriminatory denominational policies, as well as using their faith to advocate for LGBT equality in society. GLAAD will continue to lift pro-LGBT voices of faith in 2013, within these communities, as well as elsewhere. </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">December 27, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/marriage-equality">Marriage Equality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/roman-catholic">Roman Catholic</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/episcopal-church-0">The Episcopal Church</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/mormons">Mormons</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/point-loma-nazarene-university">Point Loma Nazarene University</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/yeshiva-university">Yeshiva University</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/joy-ladin">Joy Ladin</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/biola-queer-underground">Biola Queer Underground</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/queer-patrick-henry-college">Queer at Patrick Henry College</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/bishop-gene-robinson">Bishop Gene Robinson</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/catholic-university-america">Catholic University of America</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 26 Dec 2012 19:17:18 +0000rossmurray61060 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/five-lgbt-religious-advances-2012#commentsFaith-Based Bloggers Support Spirit Dayhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/faith-based-bloggers-support-spirit-day
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-13-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="13" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/faithgoes_web_v4_0.png?itok=B-woW8ua" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Faith-based bloggers are encouraging their readers and followers to commemorate <a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday">Spirit Day</a> by going purple tomorrow, October 19.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="150" id="2" style="height: 150px; width: 150px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left; ;;" width="150" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/8d92dde2924387cd824a2a597018e142.png?itok=QHtTEr8v" alt="" />This week, <a href="http://www.owldolatrous.com/?p=1656">Owldolatrous Press</a>, is running a series of posts leading up to <a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday">Spirit Day</a>. The posts have touched on a variety of topics related to bullying, violence against LGBT people, and promoting the message of Spirit Day. Owldolatrous gained a sudden national reputation with its post concerning <a href="http://www.owldolatrous.com/?p=288">Chick-fil-a</a>. Now in an expanded form, Owldolatrous is dedicating this week to preventing bullying and LGBT violence.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>All wk, we honor <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23glaad">#glaad</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23spiritday">#spiritday</a> w/essays on <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23bullying">#bullying</a>. Today: Lessons from the Biting Dogs <a href="http://t.co/9qPD92PN" title="http://www.owldolatrous.com/?p=1656">owldolatrous.com/?p=1656</a> via @<a href="https://twitter.com/owldolatrous">owldolatrous</a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/glaad">glaad</a></p>
<p>— Owldolatrous Press (@Owldolatrous) <a data-datetime="2012-10-16T16:28:28+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/Owldolatrous/status/258243021311733761">October 16, 2012</a></p></blockquote>
<p>Wednesday’s post talks about the motivation behind bullying: bullying comes down to fear. That’s what Michael Baugh says in a piece entitled “<a href="http://www.owldolatrous.com/?p=1656">Lessons from the Biting Dogs</a>”. Today’s post, “<a href="http://www.owldolatrous.com/?p=1730">Confessions of a Former Bully</a>” is a first-hand account of someone who is admitting and confessing to his own bullying activity.</p>
<p>Wayne Self, Owldolatrous’ founder, will be posting more pieces about bullying and Spirit Day throughout the week, so keep your eyes peeled!</p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="89" id="2" style="height: 89px; width: 150px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: right; ;;" width="150" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/large_0.jpg?itok=AdIcLRpE" alt="" />Another popular Christian blog, <a href="http://canyonwalkerconnections.com/the-end-of-bullying-begins-with-you-spirit-day-wear-purple-october-19/">Canyonwalker Connections</a>, is throwing its support behind Spirit Day. Blogger Kathy Baldock talks about trying to raise children to be kind and respectful. She knows that often, children act out what they have been taught, explicitly or implicitly, at home.</p>
<blockquote><p>The best way to teach our children not to bully other children is to be role models of kindness ourselves. And, that takes work. It is easy for each of us to mistreat or undervalue those that we do not understand... I am a Christian advocate for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Many of those in my tribe of straight Evangelical Christians do not have close relationships with LGBT people and the stereotypes they believe about them are inaccurate. Those beliefs will unconsciously be shared across dining room tables, while watching TV or out at events.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>The End of Bullying Begins with You | Spirit Day Wear Purple October 19.<a href="http://t.co/LzPxEi8y" title="http://bit.ly/RaieKa">bit.ly/RaieKa</a></p>
<p>— Kathy Baldock(@canyonwlkr) <a data-datetime="2012-10-17T23:55:00+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/canyonwlkr/status/258717782240288768">October 17, 2012</a></p></blockquote>
<p><img class="media-image" height="51" id="2" style="height: 51px; width: 250px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left; ;;" width="250" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/imag000.gif?itok=Q_39mkcq" alt="" />The blog of the Catholic organization <a href="http://newwaysministryblog.wordpress.com/2012/10/18/you-shall-love-your-lgbt-neighbor-as-yourself/">New Ways Ministry</a> is also encouraging its membership to go purple for Spirit Day. The blog quotes the article by <a href="http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=2&amp;entry_id=5419">Fr. James Martin in America Magazine</a>, which lists why it’s important for Catholics to oppose LGBT bullying and participate in Spirit Day.</p>
<blockquote><p>Those of us at New Ways Ministry will be wearing purple tomorrow to publicly witness against the bullying, violence, and hate speech that harm so many LGBT youth and New Ways Ministry hopes you will join in taking a stand.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>'You Shall Love Your LGBT Neighbor As Yourself' <a href="http://t.co/VgJeghFi" title="http://wp.me/p21uEP-TP">wp.me/p21uEP-TP</a></p>
<p>— New Ways Ministry (@NewWaysMinistry) <a data-datetime="2012-10-18T06:03:00+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/NewWaysMinistry/status/258810392363536385">October 18, 2012</a></p></blockquote>
<p>We expect more faith-based blogs to be posted in the run up to Spirit Day. You can join Owldolatrous, Canyonwalker Connections, New Ways Ministry, and the millions of others who are going purple for <a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday">Spirit Day</a>&nbsp;on Friday, October 19. To get involved, simply&nbsp;<a href="http://twibbon.com/support/spiritday" target="_blank">go purple on October 19</a>&nbsp;as we work to create a world in which LGBT teens are accepted for who they are.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday/resourcekit">Download GLAAD’s Spirit Day resource kit</a>&nbsp;which contains tools to get your place of worship involved. Spirit Day participants can also&nbsp;<a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday/spreadtheword">spread the word</a>&nbsp;and tell their friends they’re standing up against bullying,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday/app" target="_blank">download the Spirit Day app</a>&nbsp;for iPhone and Android, and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.glaad.org/spiritday/textpurple">text PURPLE to 80888</a>&nbsp;to donate $5 to support the important work&nbsp;<a href="http://www.glaad.org/">GLAAD</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/home/index.html">GLSEN</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thetrevorproject.org/">The Trevor Project</a>&nbsp;do every day to end bullying and support LGBT youth.&nbsp;</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">October 18, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/spirit-day">Spirit Day</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/spirit-day">Spirit Day</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/canyonwalker-connections">Canyonwalker Connections</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/owldolatrous-press">Owldolatrous Press</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:03:08 +0000miriamlazewatsky59871 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/faith-based-bloggers-support-spirit-day#commentsFaith Front and Center in Marriage Equality Adshttp://www.glaad.org/blog/faith-front-and-center-marriage-equality-ads
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>In Maine, Minnesota and Washington, recent television ads have prominently featured people of faith.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="100" id="2" style="height: 100px; width: 100px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left; ;" width="100" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Washington-United-Square-Logo-300x300.png?itok=iaYBXcz4" alt="" />In Washington, where marriage equality passed through the legislature and was signed by the governor before marriage equality opponents petitioned to put the law on the ballot, <a href="http://washingtonunitedformarriage.org/">Washington United for Marriage </a>has released two television ads that prominently feature religious leaders of all stripes.</p>
<p>One ad focuses exclusively on Rev. Rich Lang, of the University Temple Methodist Church in Seattle, and his wife Cathy. Rev. Lang describes his shift from opposing marriage equality to understanding it as a result of his Christian faith. The couple has been married for 29 years and the pair are the parents of two sons.</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="239" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/omsr4AHtk9g" width="425"></iframe></p>
<p>The other features a variety of religious leaders from Washington state, outlining how approving Referendum 74 to keep marriage equality would protect religious freedom, allowing religions to marry couples according to their own beliefs. It ends with the simple statement, “We should protect religious freedom and allow all committed same-sex couples to marry. Referendum 74 does both”</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="239" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vWyi11noULM" width="425"></iframe></p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="102" id="2" style="height: 102px; width: 100px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left; ;" width="100" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/mainersunited2.jpg?itok=D57n-_Gf" alt="" />In Maine, an ad by <a href="http://www.mainersunited.org/">Mainers United for Marriage</a> features Paul and Jeanette Rediker, who have been married for 42 years, and who say they were led to support the LGBT community by their priest, after their daughter came out to them.</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/trZOCBnwse4" width="420"></iframe></p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="58" id="2" style="height: 58px; width: 100px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left; ;" width="100" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/299105_242136595831269_200148973363365_759844_7508416_n.jpg?itok=x1StsbsI" alt="" />In Minnesota, voters will be voting on whether or not to add an amendment to the state constitution to permanently keep marriage equality out of the state. The first ad from <a href="http://mnunited.org/">Minnesotans United for All Families</a>, the campaign working to defeat the amendment, features a Republican Catholic suburban couple. The couple described how knowing a real LGBT person changed their perspective on marriage equality.</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="239" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HYR_E-fYfRo" width="425"></iframe></p>
<p>This couple describes the reality that people are more likely to support marriage equality after knowing and developing a relationship with a real LGBT person. GLAAD created a graphic that helps to illustrate this fact. We encourage all marriage equality supporters, especially those in Minnesota, to share this graphic with friends and family, along with their own story of inclusion for LGBT equality. </p>
<p><img class="media-image" id="2" style="height: 425px; width: 425px; " src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/488359_10151157098378840_658679646_n.jpg?itok=_IXA6_79" alt="" /></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">October 2, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/washington">Washington</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/maine">Maine</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/minnesota">Minnesota</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/marriage-equality">Marriage Equality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/advertising">Advertising</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Tue, 02 Oct 2012 17:34:40 +0000rossmurray59650 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/faith-front-and-center-marriage-equality-ads#commentsAfrican-American Clergy Continue Call for Support on Maryland Marriagehttp://www.glaad.org/blog/african-american-clergy-continue-call-support-maryland-marriage
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>On Friday, a group of African-American clergy from across the country will assemble at the National Press Club in Washington, DC for a news conference to show support for the marriage equality measure on the ballot in nearby Maryland. A number of well-known ministers will attend, including Rev. Al Sharpton, in what will be the <a href="http://marylandersformarriageequality.org/aaclergyendorsement/">first such gathering</a> of its kind. While <a href="http://bruni.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/02/hopeful-news-from-maryland/%20"><u>polls show</u></a> the state is poised to become the first in the nation to pass a statewide referendum in favor of marriage equality, several of the state’s influential black pastors have condemned supporters of the legislation, attacked President Obama for his stance, and shockingly urged parishioners to stay home on <a href="http://pamshouseblend.firedoglake.com/2012/09/17/rev-irene-monroes-perspective-on-movement-to-keep-some-blacks-home-on-election-day-over-marriage-equality/"><u>Election Day</u></a>.</p>
<p>Rev. Delman Coates of <a href="http://www.mtennon.org/%20"><u>Mt. Ennon Baptist Church</u></a> in Clinton, MD, who is leading the pro-marriage group, said that his goal with the <a href="http://washingtonexaminer.com/maryland-pastors-rally-support-for-same-sex-marriage/article/2508274#.UFhk2aSkFbt%20"><u>press conference</u></a> is to erase "the impression that all African-American pastors are fundamentally opposed to the idea of marriage equality.” The ballot question in Maryland asks voters to affirm or reject the bill passed by the General Assembly in February, which allows but does not require churches and clergy to perform same-sex ceremonies in the state. Rev. Coates joins a chorus of African-American clergy in support of the measure, including Rev. Jesse Jackson, who <a href="http://www.glaad.org/news/rev-jesse-jackson-asks-voters-support-marriage-equality">recently urged</a> voters to “respect people's basic fundamental rights.”<img class="media-image" id="2" style="height: 123px; width: 250px; margin: 5px; float: right; " src="http://www.glaadblog.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/408269_442183989153068_413244741_n.jpg?itok=2CWZqxsD" alt="" /></p>
<p>In discussing the dichotomy between support of President Obama in the African American community and opposition to marriage equality, Rev. Irene Monroe slammed the tactics being used in Maryland to dissuade citizens from voting, saying such an outcome “would be tragic” and that “history would not look kindly on their actions.” After all, she said, President Obama is “the president of all the people, not some of the people.”</p>
<p>The “African-American Clergy for Marriage Equality” news conference will be held at 11 am on Friday, September 21 at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. For more information, please <a href="http://press.org/events/african-american-clergy-marriage-equality%20"><u>click here</u></a>.</p>
<p>Follow @MD4Equality and #md4me for more updates on the race in Maryland.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">September 18, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/family">Family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/people-color">People of Color</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/marriage-equality">Marriage Equality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/maryland">Maryland</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/black-pastors">black pastors</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/clergy">clergy</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/values">values</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/religion">Religion</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/ross">ross</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Tue, 18 Sep 2012 20:55:03 +0000geoffmontes59466 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/african-american-clergy-continue-call-support-maryland-marriage#commentsSnapshots of Our Workhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/snapshots-our-work-54
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Wonder what we're up to at GLAAD?</p>
<p>Be sure to check out GLAAD Blog each week for updates about our latest work to build support for LGBT equality through news, entertainment, and online media.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="181" id="2" style="float: right; width: 183px; height: 181px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px;;" width="183" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/POC%20Institute.png?itok=Wh1mgnJ_" alt="" /><strong>GLAAD’s People of Color Media Institute culminates in Los Angeles</strong><br />GLAAD’s second annual People of Color Media Institute culminated in Los Angeles this past weekend, where equality leaders convened to learn vital media skills. By increasing the visibility of LGBT and allies of color who can speak powerfully and effectively through various media platforms, GLAAD is helping to create diverse national spokespeople for the LGBT equality movement. <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-wraps-new-york-people-color-media-institute">Read more.</a></p>
<p><strong>GLAAD releases sixth annual Network Responsibility Index (NRI)</strong><br />GLAAD recently released its sixth annual Network Responsibility Index, an evaluation of the quantity and quality of images of LGBT people during the 2011-2012 television season. GLAAD researched primetime programming on ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox, NBC and 10 cable networks from June 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012.<a href="http://www.glaad.org/publications/nri2012"> Read the report here. </a></p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="133" id="2" style="float: right; width: 133px; height: 133px;;" width="133" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/joseph-tolton1_0.jpeg?itok=EeVFsfXP" alt="" /><strong>Calling on allies to support LGBT people in Uganda</strong><br />GLAAD’s Religion, Faith &amp; Values team worked with Pastor Joseph Tolton to publish an op-ed in Religion Dispatches, calling on U.S. LGBT allies to follow the leadership and offer support to the LGBT people of Uganda. <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/pastor-names-helpful-and-not-so-helpful-ways-help-lgbt-people-uganda">Read more.</a></p>
<p><strong>Bridging the LGBT and faith communities</strong><br />GLAAD’s Religion, Faith &amp; Values team worked with advocate Richmond Schmidt to place two parallel articles on The Huffington Post, which call for conversation, care, and mutual concern between the LGBT and faith communities. Read the articles <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richmond-schmidt/call-for-conversation-gay-christian-to-lgbt-community_b_1823201.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richmond-schmidt/call-for-conversation-gay-christian-to-fellow-christians_b_1823199.html">here</a>.</p>
<p>To get the latest updates and take part in GLAAD’s work to build support for LGBT equality, be sure to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/glaad">‘like’ us on Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/glaad">follow us on Twitter</a>!</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">September 10, 2012</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/snapshots">Snapshots</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/people-color-media-institute">People of Color Media Institute</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/poc">POC</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/coad">COAD</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/rfv">RFV</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Mon, 10 Sep 2012 17:41:07 +0000Seth59371 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/snapshots-our-work-54#commentsMarriage Equality at the Great Minnesota Get Togetherhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/marriage-equality-great-minnesota-get-together
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img class="media-image" height="250" id="25" style="height: 250px; width: 250px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left; ;" width="250" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/404060_446959722015621_1793015942_n.jpg?itok=mIrA6dqK" alt="" /></p>
<p>Sadly, relatively few Americans will experience the joy and wonder and excitement that is the Minnesota State Fair. GLAAD employs three native Minnesotans who thoroughly love (and continue to visit) the Minnesota State Fair. At this time of the summer, our conversations turn to the butter sculptures of beauty queens, the “miracle of birth” barn, and the shows at the grandstand. Oh, and did we mention the food? Pork chop on a stick. Corn dogs. Funnel cakes. Deep fried smelt. Pretty much anything that can be served on a stick or dipped in a deep fat fryer (or both). The food might be the main attraction of the fair.</p>
<p>This year, however, the Minnesota State Fair has become the showcase for marriage equality. In the few short days that the Great Minnesota Get Together has been open, we have seen amazing, visible support to defeat the amendment and support marriage equality across the state.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="250" id="25" style="height: 250px; width: 250px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: right; ;" width="250" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/svennungsen.jpg?itok=PV73apkg" alt="" />On the first day of the State Fair, <a href="http://mnunited.org/news/lutheran-bishop-conservative-rabbi-and-evangelical-pastor-urge-people-of-faith-to-vote-no/">a group of 150 clergy gathered at the entrance to the fairgrounds</a> to speak out against the proposed constitutional amendment that would limit the freedom to marry for committed, same-sex couples in Minnesota. Speakers included Bishop Anne Svennungsen, who leads the Minneapolis Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, the Senior Conservative Rabbi of Adath Jeshurun congregation, and Pastor Adam Tao, an Evangelical Christian minister.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="187" id="25" style="height: 187px; width: 250px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: left; ;" width="250" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/408216_446955395349387_781889142_n.jpg?itok=difNNMwg" alt="" /><a href="http://mnunited.org/">Minnesotans United for All Families</a>, the coalition working to defeat the amendment, has a <a href="http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/19356681/gay-marriage-campaign-comes-to-minn-state-fair">booth set up at the state fair</a>. Minnesotans United will have a booth at this year’s fair, handing out “Vote No on a Stick” fans as well as encouraging people to pledge what city they’ll be voting no from this November. Many leaders from across Minnesota will join the thousands of volunteers expected to help spark conversations with fairgoers about the importance of marriage and how no one should be told it’s illegal to marry the person you love.</p>
<p>But the Minnesotans United booth isn’t the only pro-marriage equality booth at the state fair. Over in the education building, one can visit the booth of Augsburg College and Capella University. On August 3, <a href="http://mnunited.org/news/capella-university-publicly-opposes-freedom-limiting-marriage-amendment/">Capella University became the first major higher education institution to speak out</a> against the amendment. Later, Capella was joined in opposition by <a href="http://www.minnpost.com/political-agenda/2012/08/augsburg-college-joins-coalition-opposing-marriage-amendment">Augsburg College later in the month</a>, a private Minneapolis liberal arts college associated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Booths for pro-equality businesses like General Mills, St. Jude Medical and Thomson Reuters can be found elsewhere in the fair.</p>
<p>Take it from us. If you want a great experience with enterainment and amazing (and fattening) food, we recommend the Minnesota State Fair. And if you go, be sure to let others know that you support marriage equality. This message is from the three native Minnesota GLAADiators!</p>
<p>Photos from Minnesotans United for All Families. As a bonus, watch Princess Kay of the Milky Way become a butter sculpture!</p>
<p> </p>
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/14533388" width="425" height="239" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/14533388">Butter Head Sculpture - Minnesota State Fair</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/ochenk">Ochen K.</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">August 28, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/minnesota-state-fair">Minnesota State Fair</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/minnesotans-united-all-families">Minnesotans United for All Families</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/marriage-equality">Marriage Equality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/augsburg-college">Augsburg College</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/capella-university">Capella University</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/general-mills">General Mills</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/st-jude-medical">St. Jude Medical</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/thompson-reuters">Thompson Reuters</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Tue, 28 Aug 2012 16:20:47 +0000rossmurray59249 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/marriage-equality-great-minnesota-get-together#commentsGuest post: Dis-membering Stonewallhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/guest-post-dis-membering-stonewall
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><i><em>The following is from an essay that appears in a new collection of LGBT writings about New York City,</em> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-Christopher-Street-Reflections-York/dp/193646734" target="_hplink">Love, Christopher Street: Reflections of New York City</a><em>, edited by Thomas Keith, with an introduction by Christopher Bram, and published by Vantage Point Books. The names in the story has been changed to protect identities.</em></i></p>
<p><i><em><strong>By Rev. Irene Monroe</strong></em></i></p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="254" id="2" style="float: right; width: 191px; height: 254px;" width="191" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/MonroeIrene03_hcm.jpeg?itok=itFs5-5x" alt="" />Friday, June 27th, was the last day of school that year. And with school out, my middle-school cronies and I looked forward to a summer reprieve from rioting against Italian, Irish and Jewish public school kids for being bussed into their neighborhoods. However, the summer months in Brooklyn’s African American enclaves only escalated rioting between New York’s finest—the New York Police Department—and us. During this tumultuous decade of Black rage&nbsp;and white police raids, knee-jerk responses to each other’s slights easily set the stage for a conflagration, creating both instantaneous and momentary fighting alliances in these Black communities­ across gangs, class, age, ethnicity and sexual orientations—against police brutality.</p>
<p>That night of June 27th started out no differently than any hot and humid summer Friday night in my neighborhood. Past midnight, folks with no AC or working fans in their homes were just hanging out. Some lounged on the fire escapes while others were on the stoops of their brownstones laughing and shooting the breeze. Some were in heated discussion of Black revolutionary politics, while the Holy Rollers were competing with each other over Scripture. The Jenkins boys were drumming softly on their congas to the hot breezy mood of the night air. And directly under the street lamp was an old beat-up folding card table where the Fletchers and the Andersons, lifelong friends and neighbors, were shouting over a game of bid whist.</p>
<p>The sight of Dupree galloping up the block toward us abruptly interrupted the calm of the first hour of Saturday, June 28th. Dupree stopped in front of the gaming table and yelled out, “The pigs across the bridge are beating up on Black fa**ots—right now!”&nbsp;Cissy Anderson, who was just moments from throwing in her hand to go to bed, let out a bloodcurdling scream that shook us and brought a momentary halt to everything.&nbsp;Nate Anderson grabbed his wife to comfort her and said, “Cissy, calm down.”</p>
<p>Greenwich Village in the 1800s had housed the largest population for former slaves in the country.&nbsp;But gentrification forced racial relocation and led to Harlem becom­ing the Mecca of Black America.</p>
<p>When Dupree stopped in front of Mr. Fletcher’s game table, he was signaling to his aunt and uncle that their son Birdie, who sang like a beautiful songbird, was more than likely in the melee across the bridge. Everyone knew Birdie was gay, and we wondered where he and his “brother-girls,” as he dubbed them, had gone on the weekends when they laughed and spoke in code on Sundays about their exploits while robing-up for choir.</p>
<p>Cissy detested that her eldest, Nate Turner “Birdie” Anderson, Jr., went outside the community to a white neighborhood to be himself.&nbsp;Nate, Sr., too, worried about his eldest son. When Birdie told his&nbsp;dad he was gay, his father asked him if he understood that he didn’t know how to keep him safe, especially if his son wandered out of his purview.&nbsp;When his voice rose above Dupree’s and the crowd, we were as shocked to silence as we were by Cissy’s bloodcurdling scream.&nbsp;“My son is somewhere there and I need you all to help me find him and bring him home safely to his mother and me.”</p>
<p>Coming out of the subway station at Christopher Street we could hear the commotion. The shoving and pushing by both protestors and police yanked three of us away from the core group; we were left to fend for ourselves.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As the momentum of the crowd pushed my small group to Waverly Place, a block away from the Stonewall, we witnessed two white cops pummeling a Black drag queen. “I should shove this stick up your ass,” said one of the cops as he pulled up her dress with a nightstick in his hand. The taller of the two cops yanked off her wig and laughingly tossed it to the other cop. In spotting us, the cop who caught the wig threw it at us yelling, “You ni**er fa*s get away!”&nbsp;The wig missed and landed about a foot away from us, but the cop’s words hit, striking fear.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When I look back at the first night of the Stonewall Inn riots,&nbsp;I could have never imagined its future importance. The first night played out no differently from previous riots with Black Americans and white policemen. And so too, it being underreported. But&nbsp;I&nbsp;was there.</p>
<p>On the first night of the Stonewall Inn riots, African Americans and Latinos were the largest percentage of the protes­tors because we heavily frequented the bar. For Black and Latino homeless youth and young adults, who slept in nearby Christopher Park, the Stonewall Inn was their stable domicile. The Stonewall Inn being raided was nothing new. In the 1960s gay bars in the Village were routinely raided, but, “Race is said to have been another factor. The decision by the police to raid the bar in the manner they did may have been influenced by the fact that most of the ‘homosexuals’ they would encounter were of color, and therefore even more objectionable.”&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Stonewall Riot of June 27-29, 1969 in Greenwich Village started on the backs of working class African American and Latino queers who patronized that bar. Those brown and Black LGBTQ people are not only absent from the photos of that night, but have been bleached from its written history. Many LGBTQ Blacks and Latinos argue that one of the reasons for the gulf between whites and themselves is about how the dominant queer community rewrote and continues to control the narrative of Stonewall.</p>
<p><i>Rev. Irene&nbsp;Monroe lives in Cambridge and is a Huffington Post blogger, and a syndicated religion&nbsp;columnist</i><em>. Read more at <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/irene-monroe/">The Huffington Post.</a></em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150990477688840&amp;set=a.468379118839.258644.186319338839&amp;type=3&amp;theater"><img class="media-image" id="2" style="height: 200px; width: 200px;" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/stonewall_0.jpg?itok=_tfUwUir" alt="" /></a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">June 27, 2012</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/stonewall">Stonewall</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/irene-monroe">Irene Monroe</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/coad">COAD</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 27 Jun 2012 18:13:11 +0000glaad58377 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/guest-post-dis-membering-stonewall#commentsMaking Pro-LGBT Preaching Go Viral http://www.glaad.org/blog/making-pro-lgbt-preaching-go-viral
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img class="media-image" id="2" style="margin: 5px; float: left; width: 200px; height: 260px; " src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/gay_church.jpg?itok=3siNp4eD" alt="" />Sadly, in recent weeks, there has been a spate of sermons calling for violence against LGBT people. An Independent Baptist pastor in North Carolina suggested <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2012/05/catawba.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+towleroad%2Ffeed+%28Towleroad+Daily++%23gay+news%29">putting all LGBT people behind an electric fence</a>, which prompted a major peaceful protest and in Kansas, a pastor <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2012/05/knapp.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+towleroad%2Ffeed+%28Towleroad+Daily++%23gay+news%29">called for the government to execute LGBT people</a>. Even a young child was filmed singing an <a href="http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/petermontgomery/6022/homophobic_viral_video_of_4-year-old_from_same_town_as_teen_suicide/">anti-gay song at his Apostolic church</a>. </p>
<p>Video footage of these anti-LGBT remarks have gone viral via YouTube, garnering considerable media attention. </p>
<p>Yet, in the last few weeks, several other faith leaders have uploaded pro-LGBT equality sermons to the internet without much response. Below, we have posted several videos that GLAAD would like to see go viral. First up is a short sound clip (uploaded just yesterday!) from United Church of Christ Rev. Molly Baskette <a href="http://firstchurchsomerville.org/">First Church Somerville</a> of Somerville, Massachusetts. In the clip, Rev. Baskette declares that being gay or lesbian is not a sin to the applause of members. Her pro-LGBT sermon was timed wonderfully, given on Pride Sunday (June 10, 2012).</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="242" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Zo5TUhqWZuI" width="430"></iframe></p>
<p>Recently, Reverend Dr. Otis Moss III of Chicago’s <a href="http://www.tucc.org/">Trinity United Church of Christ</a> spoke out in favor of marriage equality as well. A clip from his sermon below is framed as a reaction to President Obama’s historic endorsement of marriage equality. </p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="323" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rz7RlPBe7BY" width="430"></iframe></p>
<p>In a more robust speech, Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III of the <a href="http://www.friendshipwest.org/pastor.html" target="_self">Friendship-West Baptist Church</a> in Dallas, Texas preaches his pro-marriage equality stance in spite of mixed audience reactions. While some of the audience members seem to disagree with Reverend Haynes fiery demands for equality, other members raise their hands in agreement. </p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="323" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/s2yIaNSFBBw" width="430"></iframe></p>
<p>It is important to note that both Reverend Dr. Otis Moss III and Reverend Haynes serve as counter examples to the media’s constant framing of Black pastors in opposition to marriage equality. In fact, according to new polls, <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/05/strong-support-for-gay-marriage-now-exceeds-strong-opposition/">strong public support for marriage equality</a> exceeds strong opposition by a significant margin. These polls also indicate increased support for marriage equality among African-Americans. Some press outlets are slowly beginning to cover the pro-LGBT equality words and actions of black pastors, though. Last week, for example, the New York Times spotlighted <a href="http://www.rivers-at-rehoboth.org/">Rivers at Rehoboth</a> church in Harlem. The <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/28/nyregion/black-gay-men-and-lesbians-find-embrace-at-harlem-church.html">predominantly black congregation is a welcoming church for gay and lesbian members</a>, serving as a counterexample to assumptions about black churches and their stances on LGBT-equality. Additionally, several other prominent, black voices supported marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples recently. This month, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/20/us/politics/naacp-endorses-same-sex-marriage.html?smid=pl-share" title="In Largely Symbolic Move, N.A.A.C.P. Votes to Endorse Same-Sex Marriage">the board of the N.A.A.C.P. voted to express its support for marriage equality.</a> Bishop Melvin Talbert <a href="http://www.rmnblog.org/2012/05/a-call-to-biblical-obedience.html">stated his support for LGBT equality</a> at the United Methodist General Conference. Reverend Oliver White, pastor of the only predominantly African American Congregational Church in Minnesota, <a href="http://therevealer.org/archives/11409">expressed his support for LGBT members</a> even in the face of criticism from congregants. </p>
<p>Next is a video from Reverend Marlin Lavanhar of <a href="http://www.allsoulschurch.org/">All Souls Unitarian Church</a> in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Reverend Lavanhar, using charismatic humor, argues that, ultimately, the marriage equality debate comes down to family and love. His sermon is met with “Amen!”s and applause. </p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="323" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cJTF_ZnMGmA" width="430"></iframe></p>
<p>Sermons like these are happening all over the country, despite limited coverage of them. GLAAD commends the faith leaders who bravely voice their support of LGBT equality and upload their sermons online for all to view. Such statements do not go unnoticed. GLAAD encourages faith leaders to post their videos and comments of pro-LGBT equality statements in order to make equality, not anti-LGBT preaching, go viral. </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">June 11, 2012</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/people-color">People of Color</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/religion-and-faith">Religion and Faith</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/otis-moss">Otis Moss</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/african-american">African American</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/youtube">YouTube</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/social-media">Social Media</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/preaching">Preaching</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/faith">Faith</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/marriage-equality">Marriage Equality</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:49:08 +0000nicholelatimer55519 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/making-pro-lgbt-preaching-go-viral#comments